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Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control User Reviews (Page 3)

Brand names: Apri, Kariva, Enskyce, Isibloom, Viorele, Volnea, Velivet, Azurette, Desogen, Cyclessa, Reclipsen, Juleber, Bekyree, Simliya, Emoquette, Kalliga, Cyred Caziant Pimtrea Kimidess Cyred EQ …show all brand names

Reviews for Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol

Commonly mentioned side effects
  • Dan...
  • December 26, 2016

"I was a bit on the edge to start taking this pill because of how poorly it was reviewed. I'm now a couple of months in, and I have no complaints. My mood has stayed as positive as before, and I have had depression before, but no signs of that came back. My sex drive was pretty high before, and is now the same, or even more now that I don't have to worry about getting pregnant. I haven't gained any bloating, or gained weight, but that could be because I exercise and have a minimal decreased appetite since I've been on the pill. My acne has been clearing up as well. The only weight gain I have noticed is that my breasts grew a whole cup size. Nothing but positive effects from Velivet!"

10 / 10
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  • Nik...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • January 31, 2017

"I really don't understand the negativity this birth control has. I started this in July 2016 and have had pretty much a standard experience in terms of taking BC. This isn't the first BC I've been on, but it's definitely the best. I suffer from PMDD, so this BC is a life-saver. No longer am I on the floor in crippling pain, unable to move and/or walk. My periods are a lot lighter, as are the cramps, back, and breast aches associated with it. I don't understand 'this birth control made me gain weight!' It's been proven that birth control isn't the cause of weight gain. I'm still the size I've always been. I did, however, gain two cup sizes, but shopping for cute bras is okay with me. It does its job; unprotected sex with the fiancé and not preggo."

10 / 10
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22 Report
  • che...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 15, 2019

"A lot of these reviews are bad, but of course, if you have a bad experience with something, you’re going to write about it, and contradicting that, with your good experiences, you will most likely not leave a review. This birth control pill is very tiny and easy to take, and I have been on Isibloom for a month through an online pill subscription, and I have very few side effects. My age is 18, and the only side effect I’ve really only experienced is tender breasts and slight breast size improvement (maybe a cup?). Although I’ve had mood swings and I’m very emotional, getting frustrated and annoyed very easily."

9 / 10
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15 Report
  • Ken...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • January 9, 2018

"I only have 3 weeks on this pill, and I’ve noticed a change in my body. I gained like 7 lbs., and my pants fit so tight. I’m a very active person and go to the gym on a regular basis, so I know it’s not because of my diet or exercise routine. I eat pretty healthy, I give in to cravings here and there, but I know it wouldn’t be to the point of gaining so much weight. I’ve also felt so sleepy, cold temperature-wise, and unmotivated. I took naps after work, which I don’t normally nap. I keep feeling weird tingling sensations on my arm and sometimes leg. I don’t have the same energy as I did. My sex drive is not as high. I’ll still have intercourse but won’t get so turned on."

2 / 10
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  • Mar...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • July 18, 2020

"I've been on Viorele for about three weeks, and I can tell you that this has definitely caused side effects of a big spike in my anxiety, terrible mood swings, and acne. Did not work for me, hopefully, I can find a brand that works for me."

2 / 10
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11 Report

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  • MEC...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 9, 2013

"I was prescribed Kariva after another birth control became too expensive. I was afraid to try it out since there were so many negative reviews, but I am happy to say that this is a magical little pill (so far). I have not experienced any weight gain, moodiness, or low libido. My acne cleared up (I'm 27 and have always battled with acne) for the most part. The only drawback is some mild discharge, but nothing to worry about. I LOVE this pill!"

9 / 10
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  • Dee...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 1, 2019

"I was on Isibloom for almost a year. As long as you are within the weight guideline or BMI, it works. I took mine at night around 9 pm so I wouldn't get nauseous. The pills are super small. I didn't have insurance, I got a 3-month supply for only $15.90. They are amazing to work with."

10 / 10
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  • Bro...
  • May 21, 2015

"Overall, I feel that this birth control does a great job. I've been taking it for 3 years to regulate my period and prevent pregnancy without any problems. I've never experienced any of the side effects, or at most they were on such a small scale that I didn't notice them. The only thing I dislike is that I don't usually start my period until 3-4 sugar pills in. I don't know how common this is with other women, but that has been the case for me since I began taking it."

8 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 30, 2019

"After 10 months of debilitating night sweats and sleep disturbances, my doctor finally pinpointed it to Apri. Apparently, this is a very common side effect of this medication. It also gave me horrible anxiety. There are plenty of other birth controls out there. Steer clear of this one!"

1 / 10
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  • TLF...
  • May 1, 2016

"I have been on Apri for almost nine months, and it works great for me. I was 135 pounds when I started taking it, and I am now down to only 117 pounds. Also, my period used to be heavy, and I ended up getting it twice a month, but once I started Apri, I now only have it for five days tops, and it is absolutely fine. I used to break out really bad, and my face would get really red, but thanks to Apri, I only get a pimple every now and then, and my face is no longer red. Apri works great for me, I love it."

9 / 10
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  • LC7...
  • October 8, 2014

"Reclipsen has worked perfectly for me. It has not made me gain weight, hasn't made me moody, and it controls my period. I haven't gotten pregnant while using it, and I've never worried that I have been pregnant. I would recommend this to anybody that wants to go on the pill."

10 / 10
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20 Report
  • Bew...
  • June 9, 2015

"Beware this drug! I experienced the most horrendous mood swings and extreme anxiety while on this drug. The side effects took a while to develop, but once they did, it was truly unbearable. I had no idea why my personality was changing so drastically. It was truly terrifying. I wasn't making the connection between this drug and my highly elevated emotions. I told my doctor on a whim about my terrible anxiety/mood swings, and he immediately took me off of Kariva. Within a week, I was feeling back to my normal self. It has now been 4 months off of Kariva, and I have not had one mood swing or case of anxiety. I would never recommend this drug to anyone. As far as I'm concerned, it should be taken off the market permanently."

1 / 10
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  • cai...
  • February 25, 2012

"I went on Kariva because I was told that it helped with acne, along with being an effective birth control method. I've tried several other birth controls (including NuvaRing, Tri-Sprintec, etc.) and had VERY intense side effects from them. I finally happened upon this miracle that evened out my mood swings, gave me a shorter, lighter period, and gave me clearer skin than I've had in 10 years. I have ZERO complaints about this medicine."

10 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • October 10, 2016

"I took this BC for a year. My main reason for taking it was due to recurring ovarian cysts that ruptured every month, and it worked wonders. As an added bonus, it did its job as birth control and without any side effects. I had no weight gain, no acne, no babies, and no cysts. I didn't lose my sex drive. And when I did stop taking it, I was pregnant the second month after. So it didn't affect my fertility, which is a huge thing for me, considering I miscarried after being on Depo for 6 months."

10 / 10
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  • cta...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • March 30, 2014

"I've been on Reclipsen for about a month now. This is my first oral contraceptive. I love this birth control. I used to have severe cystic acne, but this stuff keeps my skin so clear. Another thing I love about Reclipsen is that it levels out my mood, and I don't have mood swings like I used to. Also, I've noticed since switching I've been in the 'mood' way more. I did gain 5 pounds, but no complaints here! I am very thin, and the weight has filled out my body! My breasts are so much perkier and larger, which is a plus for me! I also think this made my hair grow. I've had a sudden growth in my hair, and I have done nothing different to it. Only downside is it causes me to lightly bleed."

9 / 10
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  • Kay...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 14, 2013

"Effective at preventing pregnancy. My skin was perfect on this pill. However, I was very tired, moody, and had increased amounts of discharge, which is finally what made my doctor switch me to a new birth control pill. Didn't affect my sex drive though."

7 / 10
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20 Report
  • Kat...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 4, 2019

"This pill makes my anxiety spin out of control. I don’t get panic attacks like I do with other pills, but I worry nonstop. I worry about everything from my dogs to getting in a car accident. I will lay awake at night worrying about one thing after another. I always feel a sense of doom. It also makes me feel very tired and almost drugged... it’s hard to get out of bed in the morning. I haven’t gained any weight, I lost a couple pounds but also changed my diet, so not sure if it was the pill or not. My boobs are always extremely sore. It cleared my skin aside from the occasional zit here and there. This isn’t the worst pill I’ve ever taken, but anyone with a predisposition to anxiety should watch it carefully. I get panic attacks on other pills and feel almost on the verge of that with this one."

5 / 10
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  • jac...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • November 14, 2013

"I decided to give Apri a 10/10 score because I've been on this pill for 11 months now and had absolutely no issues with it. As for clearing acne, my acne was already starting to fade away before taking the pill, so I haven't had too many issues. I still break out sometimes before my period is due. My boyfriend and I have not used any backup method of birth control, and I haven't gotten pregnant... so I suppose it's doing its job. But of course, I realize we still SHOULD be using a backup method. Before getting on this pill, I used to have horrible cramping and very heavy periods, lasting as long as 10 days. Now I have short, pain-free periods that last usually from Thursday to Saturday (or very light on Sunday when I begin my new pack.)"

10 / 10
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  • lyl...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • October 29, 2019

"I have been taking this pill, Isibloom, for about 9 months now. Despite all the negative comments on this medication, it has helped me with my mood swings, acne, painful periods, and painful intercourse. Everybody is different, and everyone can react differently to the pill. I will say though, missing even just one of these pills can increase your chances of pregnancy. So be careful!! I suggest using a period tracker, e.g., Clue. This has helped me see when my next period will start, how long my period will last, AND the most important thing I get from this app is you can input the days you've taken your pill. Then, if you miss a day or take your pill late, it shows you how many days you need to use backup protection during intercourse. Isibloom is an AMAZING pill, and I have barely no side effects!!"

10 / 10
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  • DMH...
  • July 20, 2014

"I've been on Apri for a few years, and it works 100% great! My acne is nonexistent. My periods are always falling on the 3-4 days that are supposed to. My cramps are gone, I used to curl over in pain because of them! Now I have little to no discomfort. But the reason I gave a 9 out of 10 is because your sex drive is close to none. I hate it for my husband, which is why I'll probably have to make a switch soon, but for me, I love the product!"

9 / 10
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  • Moa...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 17, 2018

"Isibloom is great so far. I was switched to it after having spotting the whole time I was on Nexplanon (6 months). Irritating! But things definitely lucked up the moment I got the Nexplanon out of my arm and began my first pack of Isibloom. Because I was due for my period when I had Nexplanon out of my arm, I went on to have what was a two-day liner bleed. Nothing major! Especially after having spotting for 6 months. Then it was gone!! I feel happy, my face is super clear and glowy looking :) highly recommendable. I’d also advise taking a women’s vaginal ultimate floral probiotic (50-90 billion CFUs) with your birth control daily also. Just for your overall vaginal well-being!! Eat lots of yogurt as this also has good bacteria cultures for our vaginal areas!! I feel overall amazing!"

9 / 10
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  • Dan...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 31, 2021

"I want to share because it seems like most people only ever post reviews if their experience was negative. This Enskyce birth control has been wonderful for me. After having my Paragard taken out, I needed to get back on a pill. I tried Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo and Yaz, both of which made me feel like I was gaining weight! Finally, my Dr. put me on this brand, and I have had NO problems. I had minor blemishes (unnoticeable to everyone else) the first month. My period is light, and I've had no emotional issues. While I've only been on this pill for three months, I'm really happy with this brand. With the others, I could feel negative effects very quickly."

10 / 10
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  • GBa...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • June 6, 2020

"I started using Isibloom because I just started my sex life, and I wanted to be responsible. I received it through The Pill Club. I used to have acne. Isibloom helped with that. I’ve been using it for 5 months already. I’ve been suffering from pain in my breasts. It did not help with my cramps, I still have the same pain as before. I did not gain weight. I did not have any nauseousness. I did have diarrhea for the first 2 weeks or so. The only problem I have is that my sex drive is super low. Before taking Isibloom, I would get turned on easily. I would want to touch myself. After this product, I have painful sex! It’s horrible. My partner and I have thought maybe it will go away because, according to the prescription, side effects go away within 3 months. This month would be my 6th month, but I’ve decided to stop using it for the sake of my relationship. It’s pretty uncomfortable to have sex while it hurts."

6 / 10
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  • J C...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • July 24, 2019

"I have been taking Enskyce for about 3 years now, and it was all good at first. Lighter, shorter periods, my cramps lightened up, and I had no more headaches until the beginning of this year (Jan 2019). At first, my periods became so light that I would only need a pad for about 3 days, then the period was gone. But now, all of a sudden, my periods have become extremely heavy. Now, I have to wear a tampon and a pad, and I’m changing it out about every 45 minutes. It lasts about 3 or 4 days, and then it’s back to spotting. I spotted for two weeks after my period was over. It is now about to be August, and I’m still bleeding heavily. I’m not sure what’s going on or if the pill isn’t working anymore, but I am looking to get on a different medication."

5 / 10
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  • Nor...
  • February 5, 2015

"I've used Reclipsen since I was 16 and have never had any problems. Most importantly, I've never gotten pregnant. It helped with my acne as a teenager, and I've never experienced mood swings. Periods are light and very regular. I gained a little weight in high school and college, but this is probably due to many other factors (quitting sports, not exercising, eating poorly, etc.) as opposed to the birth control. Both of my sisters have also switched to Reclipsen after experiencing mood swings and other problems with other birth controls and have seen good results. Highly recommend."

10 / 10
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Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or remove inappropriate content. Reviews appearing to come from parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any medication and should not replace the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals.