Desogestrel / ethinyl estradiol and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2021

For Birth Control "I started Isibloom last year and just recently finished my 3-month trial period with them. If you have a history with depression or anxiety, I would not recommend taking Isibloom. I felt like I was going crazy, and my anxiety increased dramatically. I also had insomnia and paranoia during the end of the first month and second month. Did not experience weight gain, skin stayed the same (I have hormonal acne), sex drive decreased dramatically."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 3, 2021

For Birth Control "So I was on this Kariva pill for years. Like 6 or 7 years. I never realized what this pill did to my mental health until I got off of it. I was always tired, always had brain fog, and was always crying. I had ridiculous mood swings. I just hated how I was. I always felt awful. My sex drive was way low too. Coming off of this pill was the best decision I’ve ever made. Believe the negative reviews."

• BRa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 25, 2018

For Birth Control "I started taking this birth control in the fall of 2016 and was fine the first few months. By early 2017, I started to develop anxiety for the first time in my life at age 23. Throughout 2017, my sex drive noticeably decreased to the point of nonexistence, and my anxiety worsened to the point where I was having panic attacks multiple times a week. I decided to stop taking my BC in December 2017, but now, two months later, I’m still dealing with health-related anxiety, which I’m hoping lessens soon (panic attacks usually when I’m alone for no reason, heart palpitations, mood swings). This may not be the effect on everyone, but I wanted to post this to ensure others that if you’re feeling similar symptoms, you’re not alone."

• Kat...
• November 12, 2017

For Birth Control "This drug is the absolute worst. Severe mood swings, depression, anxiety, constant gastrointestinal issues, zero sex drive, and the list goes on. Initially, I thought there was something wrong with me, but then realized that my timeline of severe symptoms matched the timeframe of being on this awful pill. I stopped taking it about two months ago and haven’t turned back. Knowing how extreme the depression is, I encourage everyone to talk openly about these side effects and encourage anyone who is on this pill and is feeling a little off to make the switch to something else immediately."

• All...
• November 21, 2016

For Birth Control "I was switched from Loestrin 21 to Apri a few months back because my periods were irregular and my doc thought Apri would be better for me. I like that there's placebo pills in Apri because I was awful at taking 21-day packs. The first couple of months were a little tough adjusting to the higher dose of hormones. I was super emotional! But that's normal. I'm on month 5 now, and things are fine. I'm still a little emotional, but only 'cry at something dumb' emotional. Nothing I can't handle. My periods are light, and I barely have any pain. Close to no acne. My boobs seemed to have grown a bit, so that's cool. My sex drive seems to be a tiny bit lower, but I never had a crazy-high sex drive in the first place. My husband and I still have a healthy sex life. I might have gained like 5 pounds or less, but that might be because of my lazy ass and not the birth control. :) Best of all, I haven't gotten pregnant! I recommend Apri. Give it a chance and let yourself adjust to the hormones."

• mom...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 26, 2022

For Birth Control "HORRIBLE. My pharmacy changed the brand of my birth control three weeks ago, and I have been having severe mood swings, panic attacks, depression, and anxiety. Not to mention the lowest sex drive I have ever had, and I'm only 26. The last three weeks have been a nightmare. I have a toddler and a 4-month-old, and quarantining with two kids under two for 10 days while being on these pills caused some VERY bad moments. I threw these out immediately once I figured out what was causing these depressive episodes. Just sharing my experience so that others don't go through what I go through. You are NOT going crazy. These pills are making you crazy. Trust me."

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

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."

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

For Birth Control "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!"

• DMH...
• July 20, 2014

For Birth Control "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!"

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

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."

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

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."

• Anonymous
• January 6, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been using Kariva for five months now, and it's been pretty good. I had some itching, mood swings, spotting, and lowered sex drive in the first two months. After the first three months, all the side effects were gone, and I've been feeling great with the pill ever since. I had no weight loss or gain and overall good health. Just wanted to share."

• Clw...
• March 5, 2013

For Birth Control "I have tried 5 different birth control pills, and Kariva has been a lifesaver. I had cysts in my ovary, and Kariva shrunk it, and now it is gone! I have been on Kariva for 12 months, and my skin is porcelain-like, no pimples, lost a few pounds (I've been going to the gym, so it might not even be the birth control), and my mood stayed consistent. I'm switching to either the patch or the ring this month, though, because my sex drive has been awful for the past 4-5 months, and it's driving me (and my boyfriend) crazy! Zero sex drive and dryness are my only complaints."

• Abc...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 1, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on Kariva for a year and 4 months. I switched to it due to unwanted side effects of an IUD. Some pros of Kariva are that it’s super reliable (never had a pregnancy scare), and it did lighten my period. The negatives far outweighed the positives, though. The cons were: extremely low sex drive, dryness, extreme weight gain, and increased anxiety the week before my period. I love the effectiveness of this pill but can’t stand the side effects. Switching soon and can’t wait."

• Gig...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 17, 2016

For Birth Control "So, I took this birth control for 3 years. Did its job in terms of preventing pregnancy, but at a horrible cost. I gained over 30 lbs, had terrible nausea, mood swings, anxiety, depression, headaches, almost no libido, you name it. It wasn't until I got off the pill completely to give myself a break from the constant stream of hormones that is birth control that I realized all of the issues I was experiencing were all the pill, not me. After 2 months off of the pill, all of the aforementioned issues have disappeared. Consumer beware. Not worth it. When I do decide to go back on birth control, it will not be Viorele."

• Anonymous
• October 21, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on this medication for about 5 to 6 months. And it works great for birth control. Even if you miss a pill or two by a little bit, you're still protected, and it doesn't affect your period. But ever since I got on the pill, I'm not myself. I'm constantly depressed and get bad mood swings. And I have literally no sex drive whatsoever."

• Lol...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 30, 2020

For Birth Control "Enskyce gave me full-blown depression. It made me lose my libido, no interest whatsoever in sex, couldn’t even get wet if I tried. Started getting intrusive thoughts and lost interest in a lot of my hobbies. Please do not do this to yourself, ladies ♥️"

• She...
• August 24, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on Kariva for almost 3 weeks now, and the first week or so, my body definitely had to adjust to the hormones. I was getting hot flashes, burning up at night, fatigue, nausea, and easily agitated/emotional. At the beginning of this week, I feel like I'm finally adjusting. What I don't like is my vagina is so dry when normally it's wet all the time, and my sex drive has diminished quite a bit. Like others have said, this is taking a toll on my relationship. Guys have to be so patient while we deal with this crap! Overall, though, this is the best birth control I've been on. My skin is looking great too! I'm going to stick this out for a couple of months, but if my vagina continues to be like the Sahara, I don't think it's worth staying on."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 5, 2012

For Birth Control "I started taking Kariva when Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo became too expensive for me. I have been on Kariva for the past 4 years. Positives: predictable 5-day periods, no acne, fewer mood swings. Negatives: weight gain (20 pounds), no libido whatsoever. I was able to deal with the side effects for 4 years (my poor boyfriend), and now I've had enough. I've stopped taking it, immediately lost 5 pounds, have a great libido again, and find it easy to track my period with the P-Tracker app."

• Anonymous
• September 5, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on Kariva for three months now. It has been the first birth control I have tried, and it seems to work in the area of birth control, as I have not become pregnant. However, I have had my period for eight days every two weeks and finally figured out that my depression symptoms may have been caused by it; I've been terribly moody, depressed, and cry way more often than normal once I started taking Kariva. Sleep disruptions, loss of appetite, and lower sex drive have also been symptoms I've experienced."

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

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."

• Anonymous
• April 4, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on Apri birth control for 3 years now. I give it a 3 for the fact that it in fact helped me to get and regulate my period, at the very late age of 22. And that I am not pregnant. But I have worse acne now than I did when I was 13. I have gained a lot of weight on my hips and stomach. I have the worst mood swings, and my sex drive is completely gone. It has caused a lot of problems in my relationship since I started taking it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 25, 2012

For Birth Control "I haven't had a single noticeable side effect while taking this pill. No acne, no significant weight gain, no mood changes, no loss of sex drive. Not to mention it works wonders for your cycle: mine's extremely consistent, my periods are lighter, and my once terrible cramps are distant memories. Oh, and you also won't get pregnant. This is a great pill, the side effects some people report are probably an expected reaction or an individual bad experience. Highly recommended."

• Ari...
• December 26, 2019

For Birth Control "So I used to be on Chateal, but after my insurance coverage ended, I started using The Pill Club. I have hormonal acne. When I did start birth control, my skin was GLOWING, I mean like YouTube skincare guru glowing. When I started Isibloom in Sep, it was okay, but I was getting HUGE zits. A month into using Isibloom and I started experiencing these huge acne build-ups. Literally cystic acne. They hurt so much and took 3+ weeks to go away. It was so painful. Not only that, but I was experiencing huge mood swings. 1-2 months in, and I was literally crying to work about absolutely nothing. I would also break down really easily over stressful things. This birth control also reduced my sex drive to zero. Stayed on this for 3 whole months and literally nothing improved, only got worse. Switched, and literally within a WEEK, I stopped experiencing mood swings and depression, sex drive came back, and my forehead no longer has huge mountains."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 11, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been using Apri for 6 months now. The first 3 months were ideal, it cleared up my acne tremendously, and this is the first birth control pill which hasn't affected my mood. However, after 3 months, I started noticing the negatives. I have felt super depressed, nearly empty/numb every day, which is opposite to the person I am. I, like another user, blamed my stressful job, but I've come to realize it was my birth control. I have no sex drive at all, and I actually have cystic acne on my face now, which I never had before. I would not recommend this pill due to how horrible it has actually made me feel."