Junel Fe 1/20 and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 9, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on Junel Fe for almost a month, and I can't stop bleeding! On top of the ruined underwear and annoyance, I have experienced lower abdominal discomfort (light cramping), headaches, low libido, and my anxiety has spiked. It has been a nightmare. I plan on talking to my doctor ASAP because nothing about this situation is pleasant."

• Pip...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 13, 2020

For Birth Control "UPDATE: It is now March, and I had to switch off the Junel because I was getting severe chest/heart pains and had to get an EKG. I wanted to write about the symptoms I had for those months. Well, my pharmacy unexpectedly switched me to Microgestin the second month because Junel was 'backordered.' I was always extremely tired, nauseous, and had a continuous splitting headache. Also, I'm usually a person who is ALWAYS trying to have sex, and since I was on Junel/Microgestin, I am NEVER thinking of sex. No sex drive at all. Really sucks. Also, because of my PCOS, I still have severe bloating and pain. So the birth control hasn't helped with that either, but I understand it takes time. So now, because of the chest pains and other symptoms, I am currently taking LoLoestrin. I am genuinely an anxious person, so my gyno said this might help with my anxiety as well as my other issues. Hopefully, this pill will be different. The chest pains have lowered but still kind of remain. I will update again. Hope this helps, ladies."

• Unh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2016

For Birth Control "I was excited to start hormonal birth control, as I hate condoms with a burning passion, and with such a high sex drive, I was excited to not have to bother with condoms anymore. Started on the pill, and first of all, my boobs got SORE. Within a week, my chest was very tender and a little swollen. Then, I had ZERO sex drive. Sex started seeming like a chore. Then? I got extremely depressed and moody, crying at the drop of a hat. Then, the placebo week came, and like a charm, I felt like a new person off the pill. Junel was 100% the cause of all this garbage. Won't take again."

• Anonymous
• September 21, 2019

For Birth Control "I decided to write a review as I have been on this for 4 years. The first year was great. But slowly after that, I noticed my mood and sex drive did a COMPLETE 180. I have never been more angry and sad in my life, and my sex drive is nonexistent. I still get a period on the same day every month, which doesn't bother me too much. This pill is good at clearing acne and preventing pregnancy, but that's pretty much it."

• rxm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 3, 2019

For Birth Control "This is the first birth control I’ve been on, and I’ve been taking it for 6 months. This birth control lowered my sex drive so badly it started affecting my relationship with my husband. It also gave me TERRIBLE mood swings - I’ll be super happy, and literally one second later I’ll get extremely annoyed. I recommend NOT taking this."

• Ell...
• February 4, 2021

For Birth Control "If I could give this a -10/10, I would. I started 12 days ago, and let me share my side effects that scared my OB/GYN: migraines, leg aches, hot flashes, NONEXISTENT libido, acne covering my entire face that we aren’t sure if it was acne or a reaction. Now for the mood swings-jeez, I know my mood swings on my cycle, but the complete and utter rage I felt from common everyday things (like if my sleeve cuffed up or something)-I have never experienced anything like that while on this BC. It scared me because I didn’t know why I was getting so angry, and I couldn’t calm myself down. I’m diagnosed with anxiety and depression, but it’s very, very managed. I called my doc’s on-call, breaking down to have them prescribe anti-anxiety meds, and when I went in for an appointment to switch off this BC, I scored a 20 out of 21 on the depression diagnostic test... a 10-12 point spike just while being on this medication. If you have mental health diagnoses, DO NOT go on this brand of birth control."

• ccc...
• October 25, 2019

For Birth Control "Junel Fe gave me bad acne, lowered my sex drive, and made me incredibly dry down there. I didn't get my period for months at a time. I was itchy constantly. Only 3 days off of Junel and already feel so much better! Giving a 4 because I am not pregnant, so I guess it handled that, but otherwise do not recommend."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2017

For Birth Control "DO NOT TAKE THIS. I started taking this almost 2 months ago, and I feel disgusting. I get nauseous when eating, I feel sick to my stomach. I've gained about 3 lbs already. I've gotten so moody. I've had depression for the longest, and this pill made it so much worse. I cry over everything, literally everything. I feel bloated and crampy a lot. I have no sex drive at all. The only good thing about this is that I haven't gotten pregnant. I don't recommend taking this at all. Try to get off of it as soon as possible."

• Nic...
• November 19, 2017

For Birth Control "Although this birth control prevented me from getting pregnant, it also significantly decreased my sex drive, to the point where I’d ask myself, “What’s the point of being on birth control if I never want to have sex with my boyfriend anyway?” That isn’t the worst part, though. I’ve been on this pill for a little over a year, and I’ve never felt more tired and depressed. I feel empty and lifeless, and I don’t have any interest in the things I used to love. I didn’t experience much weight gain, maybe a slight increase in appetite, minimal anxiety. My skin is definitely better, but nothing to write home about. I’m stopping this birth control today, and I’m hopeful I’ll start feeling like myself again."

• nkk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2019

For Birth Control "This pill was not a good fit for me. I experience many side effects that I have never experienced before, at least not like this. I was on Lutera before for three months, then used Junel for four months. Immediately after switching to Junel, my libido was basically non-existent. I was bloated all the time and gained 5 pounds (even though I had been the same weight for almost 1.5 years). I was experiencing some mood swings in the evening, but not like when I was on Lutera. Junel claims to help with acne, but it did not help with my acne at all. While taking this pill, I experienced more acne than I had for like three or four years, but it did not affect acne to any extreme. I am switching to Ocella next week. Hopefully, that will be a better experience."

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 28, 2018

For Birth Control "This pill is awful. I've been on it for about a year and am switching off now. I've gained almost 40 pounds with no lifestyle or eating changes. It also exacerbates my anxiety and murdered my sex drive. I'm 27, a newlywed, and sex has been a huge struggle on this pill. Switching ASAP to something different."

• Moe...
• June 15, 2020

"I've been on this Junel Fe 1/20 pill for four months now and so HATE IT. The first couple of months were fine, I just noticed I was a lot more emotional, but I have NO sex drive at all, and I hate it. Even sex isn't pleasurable for me because I'm never horny ever."

• Sr9...
• January 22, 2017

For Birth Control "I am 18 years old, and I started this birth control almost a year ago. I was on a higher dosage bc, but switched to this one because I was getting bad side effects with the other. Although I didn't get pregnant, I wasn't completely satisfied. It did clear up the acne I had before I started using this bc. But I do have a way lower sex drive, I hardly want to have sex anymore. Not only that, I haven't had a period in the last 5 months I have been on this birth control. I had consistent periods at the beginning, for 3 days and lighter bleeding than I had before. But lately, I have had spotting during any week of the month instead of during my off week. I also can't take other medication, it causes spotting if I do."

• mak...
• November 12, 2014

For Birth Control "Been on Junel Fe for about 8 years now. Never really had any problems with it, except that once I gained some weight, it's a lot harder to lose while on the pill. I didn't have any negative side effects, except a lower libido, which has never really bothered me. But for the last couple of months, my periods have been way out of whack. Last month, I had 3 periods, this month, I missed my scheduled period...not really sure what's going on here, but I haven't missed taking any pills. I'm thinking about going off the pill now, which is what brought me here, but I'm worried that it will make me gain weight and get acne again."

• Han...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 24, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been on and off of Junel Fe 1/20 for this past year and previously took Loestrin, and before that Depo-Provera (worst three years ever!). I started taking Junel Fe back in January, and by the first week, I was already regretting it. I was eating everything in sight, having the worst mood swings, and 0 sex drive! I finished the first pack and gained 10 pounds in one month, and then took a break from it. Recently, I have had a pregnancy scare, which I resorted to getting another pack just to give it another try. Needless to say, my mood swings were awful, and my sex drive was nonexistent, to the point that sex hurt. Also, in trying another pack, one hour after taking a pill, I would feel nauseated and lethargic. Do yourself a favor and do not take these. They are a nightmare!"

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2019

For Birth Control "I have been taking Junel Fe for about 3 months. I already suffer from anxiety, but after taking this pill, it has been so hard for me to leave the house or just do normal daily tasks. My anxiety has gotten so much worse. I have been moody and even meaner. I feel like I’m a completely different person. The only good thing about this pill is that my periods now only last about 3 days, and my periods are light and not heavy anymore. This was my first experience with birth control, and after these 3 months of anxiety, mood swings, and my sex drive completely disappearing, I decided to stop. My sex drive has gone down so fast. My husband and I have not had sex in a whole month, and I have no desire to have sex or do any sexual activities. I’m scared about the side effects of going off. I also started taking herbal remedies to help boost my sex drive, and they are good for women’s health. I have taken those for 2 days, and I already feel a little better."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been taking this for a month, and I can't stand it. I was on Loestrin for 4 years and switched to Minastrin (same thing), and my breasts were insanely sore to a point I couldn't wear a bra. My insurance also stopped covering, so I switched. Noticed an immediate difference in my attitude. Also, my sex drive is completely gone. It's impossible for me to self-lubricate. Absolutely impossible. They thought I should give it more time to get my body used to it, but sex is so painful and unsatisfying I can't even deal with it. Never had this issue before Junel."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 22, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been taking this for a month, and I can't stand it. I was on Loestrin for 4 years and switched to Minastrin (same thing), and my breasts were insanely sore to a point I couldn't wear a bra. My insurance also stopped covering, so I switched. Noticed an immediate difference in my attitude. Also, my sex drive is completely gone. It's impossible for me to self-lubricate. Absolutely impossible. They thought I should give it more time to get my body used to it, but sex is so painful and unsatisfying I can't even deal with it. Never had this issue before Junel."

• Bab...
• June 25, 2019

"I got on Junel Fe 1/20 to try to get periods on track to become pregnant. The first day was fine. Second day I turned into a crazy, emotional, dramatic monster who hated everyone. I'm very bubbly and lovely even on a bad day. I didn't feel myself at all on this. I have horrible acne now, which I've never struggled with. Maybe a breakout here and there every few months. My breasts are so tender without even touching them. My back has been killing me since I started it. The nausea subsided after the first week, thank goodness, but the second week I began eating everything in sight. I've gained weight, and I'm so bloated it's ridiculous. I'm always tired and have no drive. And the everyday, nonstop headaches are awful. My anxiety is through the roof, which I had just gotten under control before taking this. I also have no sex drive at all. I am only supposed to take it for three months, but I can't even make it three weeks. This was a horrible experience with no benefit."

• 199...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2019

For Birth Control "I just finished my first month on Junel Fe 1/20. So far, the only side effects are lack of sex drive and no emotions, which is not normal for me. I have had an increase in appetite, but no weight gain. The first 3 weeks, my breasts were super sore, but that went away. I only took 2 days of the iron pill just because it causes bowel issues for me. But my period has been crazy light and no cramps, which is great. Probably not going to take it anymore just due to lack of sex drive and no emotions."

• Ala...
• August 17, 2018

For Birth Control "It’s hard for me to fully understand the effects Junel Fe have had on my body considering I’ve been on it for a year and eight months, and I’ve never been on a different kind of birth control, but I still know this is not the perfect birth control for me. Pros for me-almost always have clear skin, but acne hasn’t ever been a problem for me (knock on wood), light and short periods with minimal cramping, haven’t gotten pregnant but also am very careful. Cons for me-at hard times in my life, my depression becomes very severe, which I also never experienced before taking this pill. Even now, after I have reached a happy place in life, any small things can create a large mood swing for me. I have ZERO sex drive, which is extremely annoying and slightly embarrassing. My partner is very supportive, but even he doesn’t know the full extent of my lack of sex drive. This pill just is not the best for a lot of women it seems."

• Chr...
• April 21, 2016

For Birth Control "Been on Junel Fe 1/20 for about 3 months now and take mine at night before bed. First month I was slightly more moody, just in general (maybe still more edgy). I really didn't like taking BC pills in the past, all the side effects didn't sit well with me, but I decided it was time to start taking them again so there's no worries. It's a pretty mild pill, no major side effects for me. A few things happened for me. My first period on it was more brown than red blood, but since then it's been okay. My sex drive before was at an all-time high, now that I've been on these pills for 3 months, it has definitely decreased some. Other than that, everything has been good. I think if you can make it through the first month of a new pill, you'll be good."

• CiC...
• October 19, 2018

For Birth Control "I have been taking Junel Fe 1/20 for almost a year. I’ve gained weight, am bloated, have zero sex drive, had an itchy, dry vagina, panic attacks, anxiety, boobs ache all the time, breakthrough bleeding, and a general constant tiredness. After reading through other reviews, I feel less crazy. The only good thing about Junel is it’s free on my insurance plan. I called my OB-GYN today to get back on Ministrin 24 Fe - which I loved and am now going to pay out of pocket for because... I lost weight on it. Had zero breakthrough bleeding, loved that it is a mint-flavored chewable too. Oh, and I felt normal on it. DON’T take Junel, it’s garbage!"

• Emm...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 19, 2017

For Birth Control "Everyone's body is different, but I would not recommend this pill. My sex drive became completely nonexistent while on Junel-to the point where I was starting to question my sexuality in general. Unneeded stress was put on my long-term relationship and was very difficult for my boyfriend to understand. I know this might not be a concern for everyone, but know that this may be a very real side effect for you on Junel, and if this affects you the same, then don't use Junel. Some pros for me: I never experienced weight gain on the pill or any acne issues. Cons: sex drive gone, irregular periods (even being on this pill for more than a year), more aggressive mood. I got off this pill as soon as I could and now have an IUD."

• Ash...
• October 26, 2017

For Birth Control "I’ve been on this for a little over a month. I thought I was going crazy until I realized it was the BC. It made me extremely depressed and irritable. I’m already on Lexapro for depression and was doing fine. I have not wanted to do anything but sleep and eat. I'm not one to be lazy, and I haven’t been able to make myself do anything. I cannot curb my appetite, therefore, I’ve gained prob 10 lbs in a month. I definitely do not recommend this for anyone that may be susceptible to depression. It took away my sex drive as well. Yes, I didn’t have a period, which was nice, but totally not worth the weight and craziness."