Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol and Cramps: What Users Say

• Liz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2020

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "Isibloom gave me extreme cramping, constant vomiting, diarrhea, severe joint stiffness and pain, daily migraines. This was so not worth it! Everyone is different, so you might be one of the lucky few that don’t have any side effects, but for me, this was one of the most horrendous experiences of my life. Never again!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 26, 2020

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "If you are prone to anxiety or depression, please be very careful while taking this Apri birth control pill. The first couple of months, I felt very nauseous and would have the worst cramps around my period, not to mention it made my flow heavier. I would get awful headaches the days leading up to my periods as well. I had anxiety before I started this pill, but when I started to take it, it escalated very quickly. I have been on this pill for a year now, and it took until now for me to realize that it was making me lose my mind. I felt completely out of control in my thoughts and was making my anxiety spiral. I am now off of it, and I feel like myself again. Be careful!!!"

• Sar...
• August 23, 2013

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I have been on Kariva for about five months. It is my first experience with the birth control pill as I am getting married in September and wanted to be regulated by the wedding. The first couple of months, I experienced mood swings, headaches, and weird appetite. However, my side effects have leveled out. I no longer have any side effects. In fact, it has cleared my acne up some. My periods have never been bad, but they are now only about 1-2 days long. I would say my cramps may be a little worse, but since the period is shorter, it evens out. I have not gained weight from this pill. In fact, along with diet and exercise, I have been able to lose weight while taking this pill. I would recommend Kariva."

• iFr...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 6, 2014

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol "I switched to Enskyce from Reclipsen for cost-effectiveness and felt different almost immediately. After a few weeks, I noticed that my emotions were considerably more inconsistent. Small things that wouldn't normally bother me started to make me extremely upset, and although I realized that I shouldn't have been upset at the time, I felt like I couldn't pull myself out of being emotional. I didn't pay any mind to it because I thought some outside things could've been stressing me out, but it got to the point where I'd be having emotional breakdowns almost weekly and about normally insignificant things. Periods were thicker and more painful. Effective as a contraceptive, but the side effects were a deal-breaker for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 21, 2020

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I started taking Isibloom about a year ago. In the beginning, I didn't mind taking this, I did not have any of the side effects, and everything was okay. These last few months, however, my libido has gone down the drain. I've seen other reviews with the same thing, it literally is so painful whenever I have sex with my partner. :( I also have been having migraines these last few months, and my cramps seem to be worse than ever. I got prescribed this from Pill Club, as I am a broke college student with no insurance. I'm trying to find a different prescription through them at the moment."

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

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "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."

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

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "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.)"

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

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "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."

• Jam...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 29, 2018

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I started taking Cyred a year ago for acne, then it got switched to Isibloom by my pharmacist, and I did not notice any change in symptoms on Isibloom. I had very bad acne for 10 years, and this completely cleared my skin. However, my breasts are so tender, I have cramping throughout the month (sometimes it’s continuous, and sometimes it will be a random moment of intense cramping, and then it will stop), and spotting can sometimes occur for weeks at a time, which is extremely frustrating. I also have noticed that I am not interested in sex at all. Not even interested in kissing my partner. For these reasons, I am switching to a different birth control, but if that has the same side effects, I will return to using this one because the clear skin ultimately outweighs the negative side effects for me."

• hka...
• April 26, 2016

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I really like this birth control. When I'm not on birth control, I have extremely painful menstrual cramps, very heavy periods, and crazy hormonal acne breakouts. It took about two and a half months to see any improvements, but my face is almost always completely clear, I have much lighter cramps, and a much lighter flow. I did feel a little nauseous for the first couple of days, but I had no weight gain and no other adverse health or psychological complaints. The only other complaint I could state would be that within a week of taking the pill, my sex drive was almost completely gone. The main reason I am staying on the birth control is for the acne treatment! It is something I have been struggling with for years, and I am so happy with the results."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 26, 2013

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "This pill is a dream! I was so worried to go on birth control, due to all the scary side effects I always hear about! After two months, I have had none. I had really bad periods that would leave me very sick for days. I only get very light cramping right before my period starts. I haven't gained any weight. I actually lost weight around my waist, and I am already very petite to begin with. My cup size went up to a C from a B, and my light acne has become almost non-existent. I was lucky to find a pill that worked for me right off of the bat!"

• Anonymous
• April 13, 2011

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I love this birth control pill. It's my second month on, and I haven't had trouble with any negative side effects. I used to have horrible periods (horrible cramps, puking, the whole nine yards), but now there's only light cramping on the first day. Shorter, lighter period for sure. I haven't gained any weight - if at all, I've lost a few pounds. I used to have some trouble with breakouts, but my skin is clear as can be now. The only thing I've noticed is I'm a bit moodier, but I don't want to blame that on Kariva since my relationship's going through a rough patch. Everyone's different, but Kariva definitely worked amazingly for me."

• Anonymous
• April 13, 2011

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I love this birth control pill. It's my second month on, and I haven't had trouble with any negative side effects. I used to have horrible periods (horrible cramps, puking, the whole nine yards), but now there's only light cramping on the first day. Shorter, lighter period for sure. I haven't gained any weight - if at all, I've lost a few pounds. I used to have some trouble with breakouts, but my skin is clear as can be now. The only thing I've noticed is I'm a bit moodier, but I don't want to blame that on Kariva since my relationship's going through a rough patch. Everyone's different, but Kariva definitely worked amazingly for me."

• Mar...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 11, 2021

For Endometriosis "I have been on the pill (continuous pill) from the age of 22 until 37 for very bad endometriosis. The pill was a miracle for me, but then at 37, because I was scared of having phlebitis/thrombosis because of someone telling me horror stories, I stopped taking it. It was the worst decision of my life. A few weeks after stopping the pill, I started having a nervous breakdown, was having panic attacks like never before, my anxiety was crippling, I started to get depressed, I started to have really bad acne, my skin was greasy, my periods were back in full force, heavy and painful as anything. I was a mess, but thank God no phlebitis. Doctors tell you about the risk of taking the pill, but they do not tell you the risk to stop taking it after a long time. I went back on it after I had a talk with my doctor, who told me that some girls/women can experience very bad depression, anxiety, and bad mood swings when they STOP taking it. I wish I knew about that. Anyone else experienced that? (Like if yes.)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 7, 2018

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "Going into my inactive pills of my first pack. Although this is only my first pack, it has been the pits. Very nauseous, but no vomiting. Bloated, more depressed, very irritable, overthink everything more than usual, almost no sex drive, horrible cramps, almost no appetite, lost all motivation for things, got bad chest pains, indigestion, heartburn... you literally name it. I’m trying to give this pill a chance, but so far, it doesn’t seem worth it."

• mik...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 2, 2017

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I started taking this pill about a year ago, and it's been complete hell since I started. The first week and a half, I'm unbearably nauseous and hardly have an appetite. At first, I thought these symptoms would subside, but they never did. The next week and a half, I'm cursed with almost extreme PMS symptoms: ridiculous bloating, awful acne, breast pain; you name it. My periods last an entire week, and I get debilitating cramps, so bad that they make me sick the first few days. I tried to wait it out the year, but it's only gotten worse. This birth control has given me the worst anxiety, migraines, heart palpitations, and I'm dizzy constantly. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, not even my worst enemies. Please be cautious when using this."

• Meg...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 28, 2014

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "First, I want to start by saying weight gain depends on you. Of course, not everybody is the same, and you cannot expect birth control to help you lose weight. Secondly, this birth control is great, I had to switch to it after the one I was taking got recalled (Yaz). So far, this has made me happy. Like I said, everyone is different. I've had no bloating, cramping, or weight gain. I have been a little emotional, but it's something I can deal with."

• Cat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2019

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I’m 18 and was prescribed Isibloom using an online birth control provider. I’m currently on my second pack, and I don’t really have many complaints. My emotions haven’t varied all that much, although some days I am definitely moodier, but it’s not to an extreme. I have had no adverse side effects, maybe I feel a little hungrier at times. My period has lightened up a bit— I used to have a 5-day period, now it’s down to 3, and it’s very light with minor cramps. No pregnancy scares either, so I can confirm that the pill is effective. Overall, I like Isibloom, and it seems to work for me."

• fbh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 26, 2016

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I've been taking this pill for over 2 years now, and I have never had any problems! It lightened my period and got rid of my cramps and acne! I have had no spotting or anything. As long as you take your pill correctly, your experience with Kariva will be great! No crazy mood swings and fewer cramps! My sex drive is the same, and my breasts have gone from a C to a DD while being on this pill. I have a little more vaginal dryness, but nothing too crazy. I would not want to be on any other pill! Beware of getting this pill if you are with CVS Pharmacy (switch pharmacies). CVS will fill Kariva for you for a couple of months, then without your permission, they switch you to a generic brand, Viorele, and it's TERRIBLE, my friends. Best of luck to you."

• all...
• January 9, 2014

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "Not really impressed with this. Ortho-Cyclen was much better for me. I have been on it for 9 months, and at first, it was okay, but after a while, I would get painful, heavy periods the first day, backaches during the period, breasts hurt all the time, and no sex drive whatsoever. Will be coming off of this soon."

• Anonymous
• April 2, 2012

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I've been taking Apri for a little over a year now. My breasts have grown almost 2 full cup sizes, but I have not gained weight anywhere else. So I'm ecstatic. No cramps, 5-day periods, no mood swings, not pregnant. I love this pill!"

• Eli...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2020

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "My Dr. told me Enskyce would clear up my acne, and I would have no bleeding because she highly suggested skipping the placebo week. HOWEVER, about 2 and 1/2 into taking Enskyce, I noticed bleeding outside of my period time. Apparently, it was spotting from withdrawal bleeding (something my Dr. failed to mention to me), and when I looked it up, it seemed normal for women starting a new birth control, so I thought nothing of it. It wasn’t until the bleeding became heavy and constant that I began to worry. It’s been 13 days, and the little “spotting” is now a heavy flow of blood. My normal periods have NEVER been this bad. What sucks even worse is the cramps that accompany this constant bleed. The pain has woken me up at night, interfered with my job, and overall just made doing anything difficult because it’s crippling. To top it all off, this med has given me intense headaches every evening, hot flashes, and zero improvement on my acne. I would absolutely not recommend Enskyce to anyone."

• red...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 16, 2016

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I was on this birth control for 8 months, and it wasn't until now that I realized my emotions were gone. I'd either feel extreme anger or extreme apathy and nothingness. It made my cramps worse, I constantly got spotting days before my scheduled period. Do not take this."

• jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 25, 2019

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "Apri, when I first started taking it, increased my appetite for the first month. I was constantly hungry and would get hunger pains if I hadn’t eaten for a couple of hours. My skin cleared up a lot, though, my cramps nearly disappeared, and my sex drive was much higher. Now that I’ve been taking it for 4 months, almost 5, I've noticed complete clearing of the skin, cramping only right before my period, and a significant increase in my sex drive. This is the second birth control I’ve tried, and I’m not going to change."

• Anonymous
• June 30, 2010

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "Been taking Apri for about 2 1/2 months, and I've gained about 10 lbs. My sex drive is extremely low, and I'm really moody for no apparent reason. It's really interfering with my relationship. I also have been having chest pains, and I feel a heaviness in my chest when I wake up. When my period came on after the first month, I had really bad cramps. The only reason I gave it a 3 is because I have an irregular period, and it came on time while taking Apri."