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Includes Expert Content

3rd Time's NOT a Charm :-(

inteldiva posted:

In a nutshell, this is my third birth control method trying over a 3-year course. Yasmine, Loestrin, now NuvaRing. This is the second time my cycle has lasted for the entire second month with all of the symptoms. Started very light, but everyday. Then gradually got heavier, and now full blown. Severe cramping with no pain relief from meds, moods, cravings, fatigue, and weight gain. I took it out this morning and have not put it back in. Is this something that happens normally or should I just give up on contraceptives? (Allergic to latex as well, and in a 1.5 year monogamous relationship)

1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:3rd Time's NOT a Charm :-(In a nutshell, this is my third birth control method trying over a 3-year course. Yasmine, Loestrin, now NuvaRing. This is the second time my cycle has lasted for the entire second month with all of the symptoms. Started very light, but everyday. Then gradually got heavier, and now full blown. Severe cramping with no pain relief from meds, moods, cravings, fatigue, and weight gain. I took it out this morning and have not put it back in. Is this something that happens normally or should I just give up on contraceptives? (Allergic to latex as well, and in a 1.5 year monogamous relationship)

Jane Harrison Hohner, RN, RNP responded:

Dear inteldiva: Dang, I'm sorry that you have had a year of "hormonal birth control hell". It sounds like you have had severe breakthrough bleeding problems with all the methods you have tried--plus the mood swings, weight gain, etc. from the recent Nuva Ring.

I would urge you to return to your GYN or clinic and let them know about your frustration with the side effects. You might be a candidate for a non-hormonal IUD (eg copper Paragard). They may have other suggestions (eg nonlatex condoms or even a trial of the progestin only minipill). They may also want to try you on yet another, very different formula of birth control pill (BCP). In my clinical experience, some women can use any
BCP, while with other women I will try numerous brands to get the right fit.

One last thought, while some of the side effects you have mentioned do not tail off with time, breakthrough bleeding has the greatest possibility of abating beyond the inital three months....Hope you can find a method which will fit your health needs.

Yours,
Jane

Report This| Share this:3rd Time's NOT a Charm :-(Dear inteldiva: Dang, I'm sorry that you have had a year of "hormonal birth control hell". It sounds like you have had severe breakthrough bleeding problems with all the methods you have tried--plus the mood swings, weight gain, etc. from the recent Nuva Ring. I would urge you to return to your GYN or clinic and let them know about your frustration with the side effects. You might be a candidate for a non-hormonal IUD (eg copper Paragard). They may have other suggestions (eg nonlatex condoms or even a trial of the progestin only minipill). They may also want to try you on yet another, very different formula of birth control pill (BCP). In my clinical experience, some women can use any BCP, while with other women I will try numerous brands to get the right fit. One last thought, while some of the side effects you have mentioned do not tail off with time, breakthrough bleeding has the greatest possibility of abating beyond the inital three months....Hope you can find a method which will fit your health needs. Yours, Jane

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