Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Liz...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 4, 2016

For Birth Control "Caused major depression. Was on many strong medications for years before reading how Yaz could be the problem. Went off Yaz and depression disappeared. No more strong medication. No sex drive while on the pill. Very dry during sex. Also had a terrible scarring breakout after coming off of it. Only gave it two stars because I did not get pregnant, so it 'did its job.'"

• Akj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2019

For Birth Control "I have endometriosis and PCOS, and my doc gave me Yasmin. All my life, I've maintained a normal weight. Ever since I started taking Yasmin, I've been gaining weight. I started in April 2019, and my weight was 53 kg. By mid-July, my weight went up to 59.3 kg. I'm stopping it. I feel bloated all the time, no sex drive, and a disturbed sleep pattern."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• October 13, 2010

For Birth Control "This was the first (and only) birth control I have ever used, so I will say upfront that the effects it had on me may have resulted from any birth control use, not just from Yasmin. I used Yasmin for about 2 months, and in that amount of time, it had almost completely killed my sex drive. I could not reach 'climax,' whereas I had not had a problem before and had almost no desire for sex. In addition, I became so dry that when I did have sex, it would burn and be painful. I did gain some weight, but I'm not sure if I could really blame it on the birth control, except for the fact my breasts went up a cup size and still haven't shrunk, though I've lost weight. The weight may have been put on easier on Yasmin? Hair got thicker also, but no baby!"

• Anonymous
• October 13, 2010

For Birth Control "This was the first (and only) birth control I have ever used, so I will say upfront that the effects it had on me may have resulted from any birth control use, not just from Yasmin. I used Yasmin for about 2 months, and in that amount of time, it had almost completely killed my sex drive. I could not reach 'climax,' whereas I had not had a problem before and had almost no desire for sex. In addition, I became so dry that when I did have sex, it would burn and be painful. I did gain some weight, but I'm not sure if I could really blame it on the birth control, except for the fact my breasts went up a cup size and still haven't shrunk, though I've lost weight. The weight may have been put on easier on Yasmin? Hair got thicker also, but no baby!"

• gf5...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 2, 2012

For Acne "All have been changed since a month after starting Ocella. Soft, clear skin and brighter complexion. No more yellow and dull face. Waking up with fresh skin, as if I just washed my face. More inclined to wear sunblock and makeup. My hair is no longer oily and stopped falling out. I did stop for 2 months due to dryness and no sex drive. A BIG MISTAKE. Ask your doctor the correct way to phase it out. I am retaking it again."

• Jxo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 24, 2016

For Birth Control "This was my first pill I have ever tried, and it was by far the worst one. Depression is a silent killer, no sex drive, tired, weight gain. It was not healthy for me, when I quit it, I felt much better and became myself again, not worth it."

• Anonymous
• May 7, 2008

"I took birth control about 2 years ago (another pill and the patch), and neither worked very well. They both lowered my libido significantly. I've been taking Yaz for the past 2 months now, and although it doesn't treat EVERYTHING that I expect it to, I can't expect something like this to be perfect. I still have slight PMS, and there are the undeniable cramps, but it has a short period of time, and it keeps me from getting pregnant. I think it's actually raised my libido! Yaz = good!"

• col...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I started taking this pill because everything else gave me cystic acne. At first, I loved this pill, besides the fact that it gave me terrible mood swings and no sex drive. I tolerated that part because it seemed like I was losing lbs and increasing my bra size, which I was happy about. But about a year into it, I started going through periods of what seemed like depression, lasting about 3 months at the longest. Two years into it, I'd gained about 10 lbs in 3 months (without any lifestyle change), and NOTHING I did would help me lose the weight. Finally, I decided to stop taking it 1 month ago, and I already lost 5 lbs, am 10 times happier, and my sex drive is back. Didn't get pregnant, but not worth the long-term side effects."

• Anonymous
• August 3, 2013

For Acne "I was on Yaz for 4 years for acne and pretty much had no problems. I did not experience any weight gain at all. It may have made me moody on the angry side at times, but I didn't find myself crying over nothing (I might have a short temper anyway). My acne did clear up but never completely, I have always still had a few pimples while on Yaz, but I was happy with the level it was, so I am not sure if it was Yaz or whether I only broke out due to stress in my final year of high school. Other than that, it lightened my period and eliminated any cramps that sometimes were so bad I would vomit. I only stopped taking it because I was sick of taking it every day, and it may have decreased my libido. But everyone's different."

• Rob...
• August 14, 2015

For Birth Control "Having an awful time with Yasmin. Have been on it about a year and a half. Have gained about a stone and a half. Have tender breasts constantly. Sex drive is nonexistent, it's putting a strain on my relationship. Have increased 3 cup sizes since I started taking it. Can't wait to go see GP and get rid of this awful pill once and for all!"

• Moo...
• November 8, 2016

For Birth Control "Did what it was supposed to do, i.e., I didn't get pregnant and I was sexually active the whole time I was on it. Also, I don't believe I had a single zit for the whole year and a half I was on it. Nice! However, I experienced a lot of very annoying headaches while taking Ocella. They were stubborn too, wouldn't go away if I took an Aleve. Also, weight gain definitely happened. I went up 2 full cup sizes and 'filled out' in general. I would say about 8 lbs or so. (With little to no change in my diet/lifestyle.) Also, I feel that Ocella increased my anxiety and depression. It also affected my sex drive and level of lubrication. Everyone's body is different, hard to say if symptoms were from Ocella or unrelated."

• Str...
• April 21, 2015

For Birth Control "I started taking this when I was 17 years old (now almost 22), and ordinary antibiotics weren't helping my acne problems. Before, I had unpredictable periods (often skipping once every several months for no reason), painful cramps, and a period lasting up to 7 whole days. Now I have a 99% clear face, a regular light medium period lasting 4-5 days, and NO cramps! I am not sexually active (never have been), so I'm not sure how effective it is for me actual birth control-wise, but my sex drive is much lower. I may end up finding a new brand once I get married later this year because of this side effect alone."

• Ana...
• July 22, 2014

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I first started with a low hormone pill called Azurette. I was having heavy periods that lasted for a week and terrible acne, so I decided to try Yaz, and my doctor prescribed me Gianvi. The first month, my face was completely clear, and my period used to last 3 days max, but my anxiety and mood changes got worse, and my sex drive went from 10 to zero because I was very dry. I also noticed my skin got really dry too, and I looked like a 60-year-old lady!"

• CsG...
• May 12, 2009

For Birth Control "I started using Yaz about a year ago - it has a good side and a bad side. Good: less severe cramps, lighter periods, lighter facial hair (my little peach fuzz mustache disappeared). Bad: emotional mood swings every month on the first day taking the placebo pill, dramatically decreased sex drive. Overall, I liked it, and if I was not in a physical relationship, then it would be great! But the decreased sex drive put a strain on my relationship, so I am trying something different now."

• Anonymous
• October 24, 2011

For Birth Control "I love Yaz. I have been on Yaz for about 3 years now. I was originally on the off-brand of Ortho Tri-Cyclen and hated it! I became someone I didn't know, I was moody, I would cry for no reason, no matter what part of my cycle I was in. I had absolutely no sex drive! Now I am on Yaz, and I feel like myself, I have a normal sex drive, and I haven't gained any weight. I haven't had any issues with Yaz. My periods are short and light and easy. Best birth control pill I have ever been on!"

• Kel...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 9, 2016

For Acne "I've been on a few different kinds of birth control pills. Nothing really worked the way I wanted. One brand lowered my sex drive, another brand made my acne worse instead of better. Finally, I ended up trying Ocella even though I was nervous because of all the talk I hear about girls getting blood clots. But I must say, this works. I have mild cramps for a day or so, and it's only off and on. My periods are lighter and usually last about 4 days. My face is the clearest it's ever been. I should have been on this brand in high school. Once in a while, I'll get a pimple. And it hasn't affected my sex drive. It's an A in my book."

• 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."

• mim...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 17, 2021

For Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder "I've been on Yasmin for around 2 years now, and it has been such a lifesaver. Before this, I had PMDD and would only have 1 good week in the month, the rest of the time, I would be angry, irritable, and sad to the point of having major depressive episodes that really affected my relationships with people. I've noticed cumulative improvements with this pill, and now I'm much more stable and happy. I take mine back to back, so I have a period once every 3 months, and this works great for me! Things I've noticed: Good stuff: -No acne anymore -My boobs grew -Period cramps reduced (but mine were debilitating, so they are still painful) -Shorter periods Bad stuff: -Vaginal dryness -Lowered sex drive -Increased susceptibility to yeast infections"

• Anonymous
• November 29, 2009

For Acne "I'm 19 years old, and I've been taking Yaz for about 2 years or so. At first, it helped clear my acne but made my PMDD worse, but eventually, my moods evened out into a constant apathy, and my acne began to come back (possibly because of stress). I've lost weight and noticed an increase in breast size, but my sex drive has completely died out within the past year or so. I feel stressed when I don't take the pill on time or whenever I stop taking it for the four days allotted for my period (during which my period doesn't arrive until at least the third day and lasts a couple of days into the new month of pills). But my period is light and relatively pain-free."

• Ama...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 12, 2021

For Birth Control "Absolutely horrible for me. I took this for over a year, and it gave me so much acne in the beginning. Horrible mood swings. This medication filled me with pure anger! Loryna COMPLETELY destroyed my sex drive the entire time I was on it. It made my skin EXTREMELY oily. I hate this medication, and I'm never taking it again."

• gga...
• August 6, 2021

For Acne "I am currently on my second pack of Yaz, only a few days left. I have had a few horrible side effects. Firstly, since starting Yaz, I have had 3 extreme yeast infections due to the pill. To add, my vagina is not lubricated anymore, it's very dry and I struggle to have sex, it is painful. The pill has weakened my immune system, giving me tonsillitis and a cold sore (which I haven't had in 4 years now). I am bleeding in between when the fake period is supposed to occur. I have a constant sore lump in my left boob. It has made me depressed and irritated. As for my skin - it has stayed the same. I am thinking of stopping the pill after this second pack because clearly my body does not like it. It has made sex unenjoyable, and I can barely do it due to yeast infections and no lubrication! Just want my normal body back - I don't think it is worth going through all this for clear skin. I am worried that my vagina will not go back to its normal state if I continue on this pill."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 17, 2012

For Acne "I began using this birth control in January 2012 to treat cystic acne and to prep for beginning Accutane. My periods before this pill were bad, I had heavy bleeding with painful cramps. Once I began the birth control, they got lighter, and now I have absolutely no cramps! My face looks fantastic now, I only have the occasional zit. I can handle that since I used to have 20 at one time. I would say I started to notice side effects around May of 2012. I began having pretty bad headaches, usually every day when I wake up. I had a little bit of weight gain. The worst was how moody I began to be. I would really only like spending time alone. I also lost my sex drive completely."

• btl...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2017

For Birth Control "This is my third and final update - good news! - just make it through the first pack and a half! My body completely acclimated after that, and I feel totally normal again. After getting back into a regular workout routine again, the pills' emotional and physical effects gradually lessened. I do still have some breast sensitivity, light bloating, and, as of recently, a lower sex drive, but I'm not the raging, depressed, lethargic mess I was a month ago, lol. My advice - the first month and some is going to suck; I felt physically and emotionally so out of whack, I wanted to give up 3-5 times a week, but GIVE IT TIME. Give your body a solid month and a half to adjust and then make the decision to stick with it or move on."

• Joe...
• April 28, 2015

For Birth Control "Switched from Microgynon to Yasmin due to suffering with headaches, fatigue, and loss of libido. However, Yasmin did not really help, to be honest! My periods were heavier and more painful on Yasmin, I was moody, had painful breasts, but one bonus was they were bigger! Still got headaches too, oh, and I gained 5 lb during 6 months of using this pill."