Levora and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• Els...
• June 23, 2013

For Birth Control "I've taken Levora since I was 18 and am now 30. Not once have I noticed any issues except for a slight decrease in my sex drive. No weight gain, no cramps, very little mood swings (but that can be said for all, including men). My period lasts about three days and they are extremely light-to the point it can go unnoticed. I've also had unprotected sex for 11 years with the same man, and not once have I been pregnant or even had a close call. My period arrives at exactly the same time every month like clockwork. It makes me feel like a normal human being. I might have one day prior to starting my period in which I feel a little funky; but it sure beats the alternative! I'd never switch, and if you're unsatisfied, try it!"

• Anonymous
• October 25, 2009

For Birth Control "It does the job, obviously, I haven't been pregnant. But I have mood swings like I've never had before. I get anxious and/or depressed. Most depressingly, my sex drive has all but disappeared. Sex is uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and I seem incapable of naturally lubricating. I used to be able to have sex every day if I wanted to and orgasm almost every time-not now."

• Anonymous
• October 25, 2009

For Birth Control "It does the job, obviously, I haven't been pregnant. But I have mood swings like I've never had before. I get anxious and/or depressed. Most depressingly, my sex drive has all but disappeared. Sex is uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and I seem incapable of naturally lubricating. I used to be able to have sex every day if I wanted to and orgasm almost every time-not now."

• Anonymous
• October 25, 2009

For Birth Control "It does the job, obviously, I haven't been pregnant. But I have mood swings like I've never had before. I get anxious and/or depressed. Most depressingly, my sex drive has all but disappeared. Sex is uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and I seem incapable of naturally lubricating. I used to be able to have sex every day if I wanted to and orgasm almost every time-not now."

• Anonymous
• July 31, 2011

For Birth Control "This is my first experience with birth control, and so far it has been a very positive one. I have been on it for about 2 months. Before, I had breakouts all of the time, and only a few days after starting this, I noticed that my acne had almost disappeared. Also, I used to have some problems with facial hair. That also has disappeared. I have had no mood swings, weight gain, or decrease in sexual drive or wetness. My weight has actually been easier to maintain, and I have lost about 10 pounds. All in all, this has been a great pill for me."

• Ana...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 7, 2019

For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome "I was given Levora because I was diagnosed with PCOS. I have been on a different pill about 2 years ago, and I went off due to side effects. I must say that Levora is horrible. Not only did it give me stomach cramps and bloating 30 minutes after taking it, but it also made me feel really, really tired just 2 weeks into my first set. I am also moody, depressed, and with absolutely no sex drive. So bad so that I can't even stand my husband touching me. So yeah, job well done on one hand: I will never get pregnant because I don't feel like having sex. At the end of this one month, I am going off the pill, and I will try more natural ways. Goodbye pills for the rest of my life!"

• Cys...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 18, 2017

For Ovarian Cysts "I've been on this for almost 2 years, and every other birth control I've ever taken has given horrible hormonal side effects. This one is great. I don't feel crazy, I didn't gain any weight, and it helps decrease the pain from my cyst. I take only the pills and skip the placebos each month in order to shrink my cyst, which is in a tricky spot on my ovary and unable to be removed through surgery. I used to have to take a Percocet to not feel the pain, and it was frustrating. I only feel the occasional cramp, but nothing compared to the stabby feelings I used to endure. The only thing that sucks with this is the occasional reddish-brown goop that I think is my period refusing to die completely. My libido has also dropped SIGNIFICANTLY :( Anyone know a remedy for this?"

• Mad...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 27, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on this birth control for the past two years. At first, I loved it and didn’t experience any symptoms. Recently, in the past 6 months, I have had so many symptoms that I didn’t even realize were from the birth control when I looked it up (before I realized it, I thought my body was just weird and didn’t know what was going on). I’ve experienced severe bloating and cramping on a daily basis, headaches and nausea, especially in the mornings and at night, increased discharge, mood swings (I get upset and angry so easily, but it’s so hard to feel happy), and a really bad decreased sex drive to the point where my boyfriend of 3 years was wondering what was wrong. This has worked great as birth control prevention, but I will be going to the doctor in the morning and changing it because I am so over this medication and all the negative symptoms."

• Moo...
• January 23, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been miserable for the past few months while on Levora. At first, it just started with some moodiness, but it has escalated after about four months (I've been on it for about 6 months). My moodiness is just so unpredictable now, I feel physically depressed and anxious. Also, my decreased sex drive has become a huge problem. I have no interest whatsoever and have had increased vaginal dryness. Also, I have had increased food cravings, I feel like I am always hungry, and combined with feeling depressed, that is a dangerous combination. I've gained about 30 lbs in 6 months. I have had much lighter periods since I have been on Levora, no cramping and no acne, but the positives really don't outweigh the negatives."

• Lev...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 22, 2013

For Birth Control "I have taken Levora for the past 2 years. During this time, I have gained 30 lbs. Libido has decreased, and I get lightheaded after sex (not sure if this is typical!). No pregnancy while on this pill. No substantial acne issues. I do like that my periods now occur regularly every month for a shorter amount of time (2-3 days rather than 5-6 days every 30-70 days). Period cramping is not nearly as bad as before taking the pill. Still, I am very unhappy about the weight gain. It may be a combination of this medication and other lifestyle changes I've had during the past 2-3 years."

• Rhi...
• April 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for about a year, and at first, I loved it. I was on Depo-Provera for a while, but my periods were all over the place, and my skin wasn't in very good shape. Once I started Levora, my breasts were very tender, but they also grew, so I wasn't complaining. About 6 months ago, I started packing on pounds. I'm 5'2" and have never gone above 110 lbs. I am now a solid 125 lbs, sometimes more. I have not changed my fairly healthy diet and do lightly exercise. My skin has not cleared up, and my sex drive is gone. I literally got nothing good out of this pill other than big boobs (again, not complaining). I am getting off of this pill ASAP."

• Anonymous
• January 22, 2010

For Birth Control "I was on Levora for about 9 years and have quit taking it now for about a year. I never became pregnant on this pill, so it definitely serves its purpose, but I did have some common side effects that it seems a lot of women complained about as well. My two biggest issues were a VERY decreased libido (almost non-existent), breast tenderness, and anxiety. I'm still suffering from anxiety issues, so I'm not sure if the pill contributed to the anxiety, or if I would've started having it even if I never started taking the pill."

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

For Birth Control "This is the first and only birth control medication I've been on. I've been taking it a little over 2 years now. I've had no side effects besides EXTREMELY low sex drive. I've never had a particularly high sex drive, but now it's nonexistent. I haven't had any of the headaches or mood swings. There was a mild increase in my acne, but I'm also a college student, so I don't particularly lay all the blame on the pill. Overall, it does its job, but I would caution potential takers with low libido."

• Anonymous
• January 6, 2012

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for about 8 months now. I started when I met the most amazing man in the world. Unfortunately, we're in a long-distance relationship, so the small amount of time we get every 2 weeks, he, of course, wants to have sex. Before I started Levora, I would have sex with him 2-4 times a day, it was the most amazing sex of my life! Ever since I started the pill, I don't even want to kiss him. He thinks I'm not attracted to him anymore because I NEVER want to have sex! If he wasn't so in love and patient with me, I know that he would have been gone by now. I absolutely hate how much this has affected my sex drive, it's caused me to gain 10 lbs, and sometimes I get overly emotional/depressed."

• TC8...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 25, 2020

"I was on Levora for 3 months exactly, and the whole 3 months I had horrible mood swings and irritability. I also had weird pulling pains in my uterus between the 'period' time, and it was not pleasant at all. My 'periods' did get much lighter (before this, I had very heavy periods due to fibroids with lots of pain), but it just doesn't feel like my body is functioning properly. I am getting breakthroughs now at the end of month three, and I have gained weight, and it keeps creeping up and up despite me cutting back on calorie intake and working out. Also, sex drive pretty much disappeared, and I feel disgusted by myself because I've never been this heavy and bloated. I cannot wear most of my clothes that fit me 3 months ago. I'd rather be in pain for a week with heavy bleeding and return to my normal self than keep taking these pills. Getting off! I also want to add that no other BC ever gave me these many problems."

• Anonymous
• December 10, 2011

For Birth Control "I guess I can't complain. You get on birth control to not get pregnant. I've been on Levora for about 5 months now, and I have recently decided I am done. Since starting this pill, I have gained 12 pounds. For the past two years of my life, I have weighed between 108 and 110. Levora makes you crave food like crazy. I have turned into an emotional wreck. I cry all the time, I am easily annoyed and fly between depression and feeling fine within minutes. I have lost all sex drive. It's absolutely gone."

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

"I have been on Levora for about 2 years now, and I'm about to switch. What I like about the pill is that it works great. I'm forgetful and haven't gotten pregnant. When I miss, I can't double up because I will get highly nauseous. I also have to take three months straight before I can take the placebo week. If not, I will wake up in the middle of the night on the first night back and throw up. Other issues I've had: nausea, headaches, weight gain, anxiety, excessive crying over nothing, I'm easily irritated and angered, increased hunger. The worst side effect, however, has been my sex drive. It has completely gone. I have to talk myself into having sex with my husband. Not cool."

• AFa...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 3, 2016

For Birth Control "So, I'm writing this after a 6-year period of use from age 15 to 21. It definitely did its job since I've never been pregnant. It made my periods lighter and my cramps very minor, which is great. No significant weight gain or loss. No mood swings. (In fact, I'd say that my emotional state became even LESS sensitive than before.) But man, was it KILLING my sex drive! And on the rare occasion when I actually was feeling aroused, my vagina wouldn't even self-lubricate! Nothing going on down there whatsoever. It was a shitty situation for both me and my partner. Strangely enough, the pill also dulled my sense of smell. So yeah, the pill did its job, but overall, it changed other things in ways that really concerned me. Glad to be off of it."

• Anonymous
• October 13, 2016

For Birth Control "I switched from having the implant (Implanon) and have been taking Levora for a little over 3 weeks now. While I had the implant, I had constant dark discharge, had depression, very low sex drive, not being able to get wet, and weight gain (and I am an extremely active person). Since I've been on Levora, I have gotten more sensitive and get irritated easily, but other than that, nearly everything was fixed! I feel my sex drive is coming back and my discharge is completely back to normal. I also am able to get wet during sex. Still no change in weight, though, but I think this pill has definitely helped me overall. Plus, it's working by not getting me pregnant."

• Anonymous
• May 28, 2012

"I have tried almost every type of birth control out there, and this is definitely my least favorite! I initially gained weight when switching from the ring to the pills and then switched to Levora from Sprintec, and it's been a disaster. I gained more weight and can't get rid of it despite dropping to a 1200 cal/day diet and running/walking at least a mile 4 x week. I also have lost my libido almost completely (bad for a soon-to-be newlywed!) and have acne I haven't had in at least 6 years."

• jes...
• January 15, 2012

For Birth Control "I had been taking Levora for almost two years but decided to stop because I realized many negative aspects could be contributed to it. Yes, it was a successful birth control because I never got pregnant, but I developed acne for the first time in my life (I'm 21). The acne could not be contributed to anything else - I'm a healthy and active vegetarian with an esthetician for a mother. I also had no sex drive, which was my first major red flag that something serious was out of whack. I also went from a D to an F cup - cool for my boyfriend but not for my wardrobe. It was almost impossible to lose weight. However, periods were short, with no cramps or spotting, and I never got pregnant. I switched to the lower-dose Lutera this week."

• WNJ...
• January 16, 2017

For Birth Control "I took the Depo-Provera shot starting from 16-20. I absolutely loved the shot other than not ever really knowing when my period was going to be. I actually lost weight on the shot, and my breasts grew larger than before. I had a great sex drive as well. I switched to the Levora pill simply for the fact that I knew I wanted to become pregnant one day and knew if I took the shot for too long that it might affect that. I chose Levora because I only have four periods a year (which is great!). However, I have been taking this pill for three and a half years, and I have noticed some negative side effects. I have been slowly, over time, gaining weight. I also never used to have acne, and I have some acne problems now. I also have a low sex drive and difficulty staying wet."

• jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 5, 2016

For Endometriosis "I was prescribed Quasense about 2 years ago for endometriosis and was very happy with it, but after changing medical insurance, it was no longer an option, so I switched to Levora about 3 months ago. My endometriosis symptoms are still at bay, but I have gained weight, and not pounds, but I've just gotten flabby with an increased appetite. I feel lethargic, and I'm not sure if it's the pill or the 'weight gain', but my sex drive is at an all-time low. So, I guess here I go again into the sea of birth control meds. I refuse to gain weight and feel bad about myself. Of course, all pills affect everyone differently, so you might as well try it. Just wanted to share my own personal experience with someone who may have had a good reaction to Quasense."

• 782...
• March 30, 2016

For Birth Control "I just switched to the IUD after being on Levora for about 7 years. I lost about 10 lbs in the month and a half since getting off Levora, and my sex drive is back. My friend also just got off Levora and is shedding pounds."

• Rac...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 22, 2019

For Endometriosis "I've been on Levora for over 4 years, let me tell you, it works as a great birth control, but the side effects are insane. I was 130 lbs when I started, I now weigh 180. Yes, some of it is due to being out of my teen years, however, 10 of those lbs hang off my chest. I've always been bustier (C/D cup), I'm now on my way to G cup. I'm only 5'4, so this is very uncomfortable. I look very heavy, my legs are big now, yet I am actually eating better than when I started taking it. My face and stomach are always puffy and bloated, the only time it's flat is right off of my period and not taking the pills for 7 days. I have had to get a script for Xanax because of my severe anxiety that has started. I didn't think a pill could cause all of this, but it's getting worse. I have no sex drive ever, and my cramps are still painful. I will be going off of it starting tomorrow, and I will be tracking how my body changes for the next 6 months."