Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol and Cramps: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Jil...
• November 11, 2011

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol "This pill was AMAZING. I was on it for three months, no spotting or breakthrough bleeding even if I forgot my pill. I gained a little weight the first month, but it was only about 2 lbs and dropped it by next month. I was underweight, so it didn't bother me. I didn't break out, my mood overall improved, no or very little cramps, nothing some Midol couldn't fix. Which was why I went on the pill in the first place. My period came the same time every month, and I went up about 1 cup size. The only reason I switched was because my mood swings on the placebo week were ridiculous, but that's how I was before the pill, so I don't think Kariva made me like that. Great pill, I highly recommend it!"

• jwa...
• May 18, 2016

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I've been on Kariva for probably 3 years or less now, and it is my favorite BC. I have tried others with crazy emotional side effects and heavy bleeding. Kariva gets rid of my period about 99% of the time, and with that, it decreases sex drive. It got rid of my acne and constant hot flashes. I didn't gain any weight on it. In fact, I just came off of Kariva a few weeks ago due to a severe yeast infection, which I had no idea what was causing, and since then my hormones are insane from being off of it. I keep binge eating, have cramps, my vagina is almost tingling a lot, my face gets very flush and red, and my skin is super dry. I gained 6 lbs in that time and hadn't changed my eating patterns. I am going back on Kariva due to this."

• nao...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 16, 2019

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "So I've taken Apri for about four years now, let me say, I love it. I started taking it for terrible cramps-to the point where I'd puke from the pain and have to pull the car over with each wave. Not only did Apri help calm my cramps 98%, my period only lasts like 2-3 days. I used to have terrible, I mean really bad, skin breakouts. After taking Apri for a couple of months, my skin has been completely clear since. It's like killing two birds with one stone. I never gained weight or felt weird. I'm a college student, so I have enough stress on my plate already, Apri really helps."

• kjo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 23, 2016

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I have been on Kariva for less than 2 years, and I guess I never read the drug information because my sex drive is near nothing. I even get annoyed when sex is brought up. My period is only 3 days long, though, and no nausea or cramping to go with. But the fact that my body refuses sex now is getting ridiculous. My doctor suggested it for me because I am pretty moody, or my moods flipped a lot on everything else I tried. But Kariva was the last thing I could try. I'm breaking up with it. I miss being intimate with my boyfriend..."

• sof...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 24, 2016

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "After 5 years of not being on birth control, I was prescribed Apri (0.15 mg/0.03 mg). I was on it for a month and just felt very angry all the time. I constantly lashed out at my loved ones. The week before I was on the non-active pill (white ones), I had cramps for 5 days straight, when originally, when I was off birth control, I hardly had cramps. I saw no difference in my acne. But I just couldn't handle being so angry and snapping at everyone around me. I switched to Tri Sprintec and have been on that for a month, and I am back to my usual self (hope this works instead). So if you experience bad side effects or just aren't yourself, switch to something else."

• Lyn...
• October 13, 2020

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I started Apri about four months ago due to migraines during my period and pretty bad acne, especially leading up to my period. My pharmacist said this is what she takes, and she takes it continuously, so recommended I do that as well. For the first three months, it worked great aside from my sex drive dropping to below zero. Not getting a period for the first time in nearly 15 years was amazing. It did help clear my acne. However, about a month ago I started spotting and had a couple of mild headaches. Google said this was normal, so I didn't freak out. Last week I started bleeding much more heavily and having the worst cramps I have ever had. Make me double over in pain cramps. Advil and Tylenol barely work. Came here looking to see if others have had this experience but instead found a ton of other symptoms people are experiencing as well. I'm afraid if I stop, my migraines and acne will come back, but I don't know if I can handle this for much longer."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 18, 2020

For Birth Control "I was advised to go onto desogestrel after I was experiencing very bad cramps from my period and also heavy bleeding. I have been taking the pill for nearly 6 months, and for these past 2 months, I have bled nonstop. I am still on the pill due to being told it is normal. Should I come off the pill or stay on for a little longer?"

• Bra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2019

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I was bleeding for 4 months before I started Isibloom. I’ve been on it for a month, and it was one of the best things I’ve done so far. I haven’t had my period yet (skipped first month's placebo). My only complaint is my cramps, the decrease in my appetite, the occasional mood swing, and vomiting. Being someone that suffers from endometriosis, PMDD, and menorrhagia, I’ll take those symptoms, lol. I take this at night, right before bed, along with another vitamin, and it works perfectly."

• Nav...
• September 8, 2014

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "Had not been on birth control for many years and decided that I should go back on as my husband and I were not planning to have kids. I had previously been on Loestrin years before for painful periods and heavy bleeding, but after taking that for a few years, those side effects diminished and I stopped taking birth control. With Ortho-Cept, my periods immediately started getting extremely painful again, maybe even worse than in the past. Also, I developed symptoms of acid reflux, which I have never had before (it is a gross feeling). Have always had decent-sized breasts, but with Ortho-Cept, I gained probably about 15 pounds and became a triple D. Also was nauseous all the time. Anxious to switch back to Loestrin!!"

• Dez...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 13, 2019

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "This pill Isibloom started out great with little to no side effects and seemingly does its job considering I’m not pregnant. However, after 3 months, I began to experience severe mood swings. I cry all the time over little things and sometimes nothing. I also get uncontrollably angry and lash out on everyone. I have no motivation and I’m depressed most of the time. Some other side effects I’ve noticed were painful periods, nausea (to the point that I actually fainted), weight gain, and bloating. This pill is not worth taking, it greatly affected my mental health. After today, I will no longer be taking Isibloom. I absolutely DO NOT recommend."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2016

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I started taking this in August of this year, and the first period I had after starting this BC was excruciating. I had severe cramping, swollen and painful breasts, and bloating like crazy. I stuck it out because I know with BC you have to give it a few months to let your body adjust. My periods leveled out, but I only made it 4 months before I had to go back and request something else. My anxiety was exacerbated, depression came back, was extremely emotional, constantly hungry (gained weight because of that), went up 2 cup sizes due to swelling and weight gain, and was bloated all the time. It was a nightmare. It did prevent pregnancy, though, so there's that. I've felt totally normal since switching to the mini pill. This just wasn't for me."

• Dad...
• June 2, 2016

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I started taking this due to a hormone imbalance about four months ago. My period the first month was the most painful thing I have ever experienced (more painful than my appendix gluing itself to my internal organs with scar tissue), but my subsequent periods have been mostly painless besides dull cramping. Whenever I go from the placebo week to the actual hormones again, I am excessively nauseous and spend way too much time in the bathroom dry heaving. My appetite for food and sex has been shot, and my weight has remained the same regardless of activity level. I think the worst thing, though, is the crying. Before this pill, I was a pretty even-keeled person. Every week or so, I have a night where I become completely inconsolable."

• Anonymous
• August 5, 2009

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Abnormal Uterine Bleeding "I have been taking Apri for about 2 years now. At first, it was great. My periods were manageable, extremely predictable, and only lasted a few days. I gained about 10 pounds in the first 5 months, and shortly after, completely lost my sex drive. Recently, my periods have been getting longer, as they used to be, and cramps are coming back as well."

• Kan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 11, 2019

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I started taking Kariva for irregular periods after being on another pill. At first, it was fine because my periods were lighter, but after a few weeks, I started getting terrible cramps, bloating, and my acne got awful. It also completely changed my mood, and my sex drive is absolutely non-existent. Will definitely be switching."

• Jul...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 12, 2019

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "This Kariva birth control has completely ruined my mental state! I have not gotten pregnant or had any scares, but that is not worth what it has done to me emotionally. I am always on the verge of crying, I wake up mornings feeling depressed, and I have even developed anxiety and have anxiety attacks once a month when I have NEVER had anxiety in the past. It has put a strain on my relationship with my boyfriend because he is constantly having to tend to me emotionally as I am always susceptible to mood swings and upset. My period has not even improved other than the fact it is consistent, it is still five days and not even much lighter. Also, my cramps have not improved at all, they may have even gotten worse."

• krs...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 24, 2019

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I've been on this dosage of birth control for years (started off on Reclipsen to Apri to Emoquette; all are the same, just generics), and I've had no serious side effects! This BC has helped clear my skin so much over the years, and it has shortened my cycle to maybe 4-5 days. I also have minor cramps, whereas before they were apparent. I've experienced no weight gain or crazy mood swings; however, I have noticed my mood is slightly more robotic/zombie-like-basically very mellow. My only issue is that it has also decreased my sex drive by A LOT. Almost non-existent at times! Overall, I've had more benefits than bad side effects."

• Col...
• January 8, 2017

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I started Apri a year and 4 months ago. When I first started, I was 175. I'm currently 210. My appetite has increased tremendously. It doesn't make me very moody, although I was depressed for a couple of months (maybe that could have been due to school). I've missed as many as 3 days and was still fine. My sex drive has decreased just a little, but nothing too major. My cycle is very regular and only lasts 3-4 days. I cramp, but not every cycle. Overall, it's decent."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 5, 2019

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "To anyone looking to get on birth control for the first time, I would recommend Isibloom, but that’s just based on my experience. I’ve taken it for the past two and a half months. I would say that even before BC, I had slight pains during intercourse, so if you’re reading all the reviews that included that like I did, keep an open mind. I did not have the worst acne nor cramping before BC and still do not on Isibloom. Regarding mood swings, however, I used to have just horrible mood swings on my own, and I would say since Isibloom, I really haven’t. I wouldn’t say they cured them, but I just wanted to note that. So if you’re looking for a cheaper starter BC, I would definitely recommend. But everybody reacts differently, so good luck, ladies!"

• rag...
• December 29, 2016

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I started Apri after switching from a birth control where I'd only get my period once every three months. My partner said I was very moody during the first couple of months after switching, but I've since mellowed out. I've noticed my sex drive has decreased to being nonexistent except for during my period week. Other than the decreased sex drive, this pill works fine for clearing my skin and preventing pregnancy. I've noticed slightly heavier cramps than normal, but they're not unbearable."

• Evi...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 22, 2019

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I liked the pill because it prevented me from getting pregnant, but I had no sex drive! Horrible, it was causing a lot of issues with my marriage. I had very strong cramps, and my periods lasted 5 days. I stopped taking it because I honestly felt dead down there."

• Amy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 3, 2019

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I've been on the Isibloom pill for 4 months now. I've experienced swollen breasts, low libido, pain during intercourse, I'm hungry more often, especially when going to bed. So I wake up starving, but no weight gain so far and no more cystic acne. I don't get my period, but I do have cramps/bloating sometimes."

• Sar...
• August 23, 2016

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I've been taking Azurette 28's since August 7th, 2016, and have been experiencing cramps since the 2nd or 3rd day. They go from being mild with little irritation to being severe. I'm having mood swings as well. I've even noticed that I have gained weight. I had a bad migraine headache over the weekend, I felt so terrible I was throwing up, and I couldn't lay down because my entire skull felt like it was shattering into a million little pieces. I almost had my husband take me to the emergency room. I was on Lutera a few years ago and I didn't experience any of these symptoms. I'm going to ask my doctor to switch me to that. I would never recommend Azurette to anyone. I only wanted to regain control over my periods, otherwise, I wouldn't be on BC."

• She...
• August 4, 2019

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for about 2 weeks. It was substituted at the pharmacy for my normal Apri. I figured it would probably be similar and be just fine. Not at all. I called off work this week because the nausea and diarrhea were so intense I thought I had a stomach bug. I have GI discomfort 24/7, it literally feels like someone is wringing out my intestines with all the cramping. My acne has flared up pretty badly, and I generally feel achy, weak, and sick all the time. Going to discontinue this ASAP. This is literally the worst experience I have ever had on birth control."

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2019

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I’ve been on Isibloom for three months. The first month, I was nauseous for a few days, which is normal. Otherwise, the only negative side effects I’ve had have been when I miss a pill or take a pill late. I get mild nausea and cramping. It has helped with the side effects of my hormone imbalance. My periods are no longer extremely heavy. They’re on time and getting shorter as well. I haven’t had any problems with weight fluctuations."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 30, 2019

Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol for Birth Control "I've been on this birth control for over a month now. I had nausea, vomiting, spotting/bleeding, and VERY SEVERE CRAMPING!!!! Cramping like I've never felt before. I got on this birth control to reduce bad periods and cramping, and it seems to have made me feel worse! I'm trying to stay on it, but the way these cramps are hurting me, I'm thinking of quitting it and trying another brand. I've never known of a birth control with these extreme side effects!!! This is miserable!!!!"