Nikki and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• Cel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 20, 2021

For Birth Control "I began Nikki after my Paragard IUD had to be removed because it shifted positions. I wasn't comfortable going back to an IUD after that. I also wanted something to help my moderate acne. Once I started Nikki, my acne cleared up within the first pack. I took the pill religiously at the same time, and my doctor thinks that this helped with the benefits. I noticed my body hair grew less thick. My periods last a day and a half with moderate bleeding at worst. I've also had minimal cramping. I did gain ~7 lbs around my butt and lower tummy, which hasn't gone away. I also noticed that my sex drive is decreased. The reason that I'm changing is because my IBS symptoms became severe. I looked into it, and research suggests that Drospirenone can cause/worsen IBS. I think overall Nikki was great but wasn't the perfect fit for me."

• Lin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 11, 2021

For Birth Control "I went on Nikki for bad PMS symptoms, acne, and birth control in general. My moods were very stable, my skin was clear, and ultimately I had a great experience on it. No PMS either! Only symptom was that my libido was somewhat lower, and I switched to Lo Loestrin for that for a few months, but I’m about to switch back because I liked this pill a lot better!"

• She...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 15, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve been taking this for probably 8 months from NuRx, and I’m finally making the much-needed switch. I had my daughter about 2 years ago and thought my increasingly crippling depression and no sex drive were just because of stress. Then I talked to my doctor, who said that’s very common with this birth control, and she doesn’t even like to prescribe it because of this! I will say my periods have never been so regular, but it is really frustrating. If I don’t take it at the same exact time every day, I’ll end up having another week-long period. But based on other reviews, I’m glad I finally decided to do some research. Everybody is different, so maybe this will work great for someone else, but definitely not me!"

• Dan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 31, 2019

For Acne "I’ve been on this Nikki pill for 11 months, and it completely cleared my hormonal acne around my jawline. My oil production has decreased as well. No nausea or headaches, the only side effect for me is that my sex drive is nonexistent. Such a love-hate relationship with Nikki..."

• Mor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 21, 2020

For Birth Control "I have my tubes tied, and I suffer from PPMD and PTLS. I went back on birth control after not taking any for 4 years because I wanted not only extra protection from pregnancy but to get my period symptoms under control. I told my doctor that I used to take Yazmin, so she recommended Nikki this time around. About 3 days in, I started breaking out in pimples in places I normally don’t get them, like on my forehead and around my nose... (I only get acne on my jawline right before starting my period). I am now 3 weeks in and am suffering from HORRIBLE depression, so much that I am suicidal at this point. My sex drive has been nonexistent, and for the life of me, I can’t get wet. This BC has caused a huge strain on my mental health and relationship. I’m only 3 weeks into taking Nikki, but I am going to stop taking it right now, not another pill down the hatch. Terrible and wouldn’t recommend."

• kat...
• October 24, 2018

For Acne "I went on this pill to help alleviate severe cramps, lighten periods, and improve acne. I originally was on Aviane, but found that its progestin hormone caused acne, so I switched to Nikki. While on this pill, my periods were worse than when I was on Aviane. They were heavier, and my cramps were worse-they barely responded to Advil. My acne, however, was totally fine. Honestly, this pill is great for skin, and I've noticed a huge positive change; however, I've decided to switch pills due to the other side effects. I've become severely depressed on this pill, irritable all the time, horrible mood swings, and EXTREME fatigue, not to mention loss of sex drive (I NEVER want to have sex anymore-my libido is at 0%). I didn't experience any weight gain or breakthrough bleeding, though. I would honestly say it just depends on the person. I thought the side effects would disappear, but I've tried this pill for 8 months, and there is no sign of them going away."

• Syd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 28, 2019

For Birth Control "I've been using Nikki for 3 months now. It was working great in the first month. A little period when you take the active white pills. My skin was getting so great and clear, thanks to this pill. The only reason that makes me want to switch to another brand is that this pill decreases my sex drive. I get dry quickly during sex, and it's unusual, it never happened before to me. I'm looking for another brand right now, and hopefully, it doesn't do the same thing."

• Sin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 17, 2021

For Acne "So I posted a previous review sometime in December. I’ve now been on this birth control for a little over 2 months (I’m on my 3rd pack). And I am very happy to say my skin is doing 10x better. My acne cleared up like crazy and I don’t get zits nearly as much. The ones I do get are small and go away quickly. When I was first on this pill, the first month was pretty much a nightmare. My skin broke out terribly, bad side effects, etc. But that’s all balanced out now. I’m very happy with this pill. I highly recommend it if you deal with hormonal acne. However, here are some side effects I’m dealing with still: - drier/more irritated skin - low sex drive - itchy genitals - have to pee more."

• Cas...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 20, 2023

For Birth Control "I have been on Nikki for over a year, and I am excited to be going off of it at the end of this month. I have gained 20+ pounds and have had no luck losing weight with diet and exercise. I live a very healthy lifestyle, the weight gain does not make sense to me. I have also had severe issues with libido, so low, almost non-existent. This is not natural for me. I often feel bloated, even when I change my diet to reduce inflammation. I do have healthy skin and hair, but I also don't know if there's a connection with Nikki or not."

• sas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2024

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "Immediately fixed my PMDD/PMS issues, which was a godsend. I finally felt normal, and it was within the first pack or two. I’ve had some days where I’ve been depressed and lacking motivation, but I wouldn’t say it’s constant. I have not gained any weight, but it’s been a bit harder to lose weight (I was already trying to lose some before starting Nikki). Acne seems relatively the same for me! My biggest qualm with this is my sex drive is 0 here on the 5th/6th month. It started out super strong, then about 2 months ago just disappeared. I’d say I get a “spark” in the libido department maybe once a month. Maybe. Rough trade-off for me personally - it fixed all my issues (or did not worsen any pre-existing issues like acne or weight gain) but destroyed my libido."

• Fat...
• August 1, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on Nikki for a year now. This is my first experience with birth control, and unfortunately, I did not know enough to recognize that this pill is the cause of my symptoms. The worst being that I have been incredibly fatigued and exhausted, no matter how easy I take things or how much sleep I get. I have had difficulty focusing, excessive teeth grinding, mood swings, irritation, very low sex drive, constant headaches, emotional distress, crying, and mild depression. I have been to two doctors who can't find anything wrong with me, and I have had multiple blood draws, with no conclusion. This morning, it occurred to me to research my birth control. I can't believe that I have gone an entire year with these symptoms and not figured it out. I am an incredibly healthy woman. I have a great relationship with my body, and I know when something is off. I feel so terrible that I have put my body through this for so long. I will be discontinuing this BC immediately."

• Try...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 7, 2020

For Birth Control "I’m just trying to inform girls that may be looking to take this birth control. Pros: did help me with my acne, did help with period pains, didn’t gain any weight, was cheap. HOWEVER, there were many bad things about this BCP. My periods weren’t very regulated, my libido was almost 0, the side effects just went on and on. The worst was erratic and depressed moods, which I knew was an issue when I wouldn’t even get up out of bed. My coworker even told me she immediately had to get off it for the same reason. I thought maybe it was just me, but after she told me I knew it wasn't a coincidence. I was reluctant to get off of it because there are some good things about it, but it became too much. Yes, it is different for everyone, but if I could go back and find a better one, I would."

• bk ...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 7, 2022

For Birth Control "I have a mostly love/tiny bit of dislike relationship with Nikki. I took it for 6 months, and my acne was not only cleared, but my skin was GLOWING. After 6 months, though, I realized my libido wasn't quite what it used to be, so I stopped taking it. After a few weeks, libido was back to normal, BUT I had started gaining weight, and my acne came back with a vengeance. I just started taking it again after a few months off, and I'm glad I did. Going to try to balance my libido with some supplements instead. Previously, I've been on Reclipsen (which I loved, zero side effects) until they stopped manufacturing it. Then, I had a Paragard for many years, but my body kept forcing it out (too big). Everyone's different, of course! Just my experience."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 18, 2022

For Birth Control "I wanted to start a birth control before I got married, so I have been on Nikki for about 4 months now. I feel like a zombie. My mood swings are so bad, and I get extremely irritated over nothing. I start fights with my fiancé for no reason, and I have zero sex drive. I struggle being in social situations because I feel like I’m just going through the motions. I get married in 3 months, and I don’t even feel excited, I don’t feel emotion about anything. It has made me feel like a completely different person, so I’m quitting hormonal birth control entirely. I know people have had good experiences with this birth control, and that’s wonderful, but it just isn’t worth the depression it has caused me."

• Can...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2019

For Birth Control "I am just now into my third week of this medicine. The first week, I was nauseous and had a headache and just felt terrible. This past week, I have been so unbelievably irritable. I have three small children and just can't be the moody single mom. I have to be here for my kids emotionally. I have noticed my patience decreased and my anxiety increased. I've been more down than usual. I have ZERO sex drive with my boyfriend, which is completely unusual. And I've also wanted to EAT everything! The main reason for this medication was to regulate my periods because I have a small fibroid. I've noticed a lot less pain from that and no bleeding so far. But I'd honestly rather have that than all these side effects. I do not recommend this medication. It has been awful."

• Mar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 1, 2019

For Birth Control "I’ve only been on Nikki for two weeks and already experiencing a lot of uncomfortable side effects. The first and most noticeable was breast pain. Nikki has also caused severe bloating, water retention, depression, no sex drive, and mood swings. I don’t like how I’ve felt since being on this pill, so I’m going to stop taking it. I would rather have my periods and normal PMS symptoms, as annoying as they are, than take this with all the side effects and not feel normal. The artificial hormones don’t work well for everyone. Another note: birth control can severely deplete your body of vital vitamins, such as vitamin B. My sister was told her vitamin B levels were really low, causing low energy and chronic fatigue. The doctor didn’t even tell her it was a common side effect of the birth control, they just wanted to prescribe something else—do your research, ladies!"

• Leo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 21, 2018

For Acne "I've been on many different birth controls before, but I decided to try this to treat my adult acne. I took it for 3 months, and it was the craziest experience next to the Mirena IUD! I had crazy mood swings, cried a lot, and my libido went from 10 to 0! I didn't even want to have sex because it made me not care for it at all! The only benefit was that my acne did clear up. I got off of it and am now on spironolactone for the next month. If nothing happens, then I'm going back to using Accutane (isotretinoin)."

• Dec...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 11, 2021

For Birth Control "I was on this for about 3-4 years. The first year or two was great, I had clear skin and my periods were fine, no depression. My doctor recommended this to help clear my acne. It did about that. EXCEPT, after 3 years, I would get recurrent BV and yeast infections from antibiotics. My gynecologist had no idea why I kept getting so many. One at least every month! Breakthrough bleeding that would happen for a week to a few days before my period. Zero sex drive. I finally stopped taking Nikki because I couldn't stand bleeding for a week every month before I would get my actual period. It has been 2 months off it and I have no more breakthrough bleeding. Although my first period off Nikki was extremely painful and heavy."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 17, 2022

For Birth Control "I'm 22 years old, female, and I started taking Nikki around 3-4 years ago. A little backstory, I was new to taking birth control and started with the NuvaRing, but it made me so anxious and depressed to the point where I had suicidal thoughts. I only then realized it was linked to the NuvaRing. My doctor then switched me to Junel Fe, and that made me bloat so bad and worsened my acne. I then did research and requested to use Nikki/Yaz, which was the best decision I've ever made. I lost weight on Nikki, my acne has gotten better, it prevented pregnancy, and my boobs are more perky! I never experienced any depression on this pill! And for my sex drive, it was low, and I was kind of dry on some occasions, but nothing like the desert. I was still able to get wet. Overall, I recommend giving it a try; it's different for everyone, but it really helped me out. I'm sad to have to change my birth control due to my health insurance changing."

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 3, 2025

For Birth Control "Before getting put on Nikki, I was on Yaz, and it did terribly for me. So when I was prescribed Nikki, I was so, so scared. I had felt so crazy from Yaz, and I was just terrified for Nikki. I won’t lie, the reviews scared me as well. But when I tell you this has been my holy grail... I’m not lying. Nikki has done wonders for my skin and period! I have been on Nikki for around 2 years now. I had been struggling with acne and undiagnosed endo. Within 3 months, my acne was gone and nowhere to be seen to this day. I still have breakouts around my period, but not nearly as bad. I do believe that this birth control does reduce your sex drive, though. My periods are always scheduled on time, and my cramps are so, so much less painful than before!"

• All...
• March 8, 2019

For Birth Control "I was only on Nikki birth control for a month. While I didn’t experience any weight gain, this birth control made me feel really bad. I constantly was cramping every day on it for the whole month, and it felt like period cramps. I had no sex drive at all. But it did make my periods incredibly lighter, almost nonexistent, just like spotting at the end of the month. One con I noticed with me was whenever I drank alcohol (even small amounts) on this birth control, I experienced the worst hangovers the next day, which was not normal for me. I would throw up even 24 hours later and feel miserable any time I consumed any alcohol. Overall, this birth control wasn’t terrible. I read reviews, and it said sometimes it takes your body 3 months to adjust to it, but I wasn’t wanting to put up with these cramps for 3 whole months, so I switched to a different one. But it did make my periods way lighter, and I experienced no weight gain in one month."

• Cba...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 17, 2019

For Birth Control "Wide effects of Nikki: migraines, bad forehead acne, extreme fatigue, and no sex drive."

• Cec...
• March 28, 2021

For Birth Control "Nikki was my first BC, my 2nd week of taking it. I started experiencing very bad migraines, blurry vision, nausea, low sex drive, and depression. I stopped taking it and spoke to my doctor about it."