Lo Loestrin Fe and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say (Page 4)

• sel...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 21, 2020

For Birth Control "Was on this pill from 17 years til I was 20. Helped clear my acne and eliminated my periods, BUT caused major vaginal dryness and pain during sex. Not worth it to me. Switched to Liletta IUD, which gave me horrible hormonal acne, and I am now looking to go back to the pill, but a higher dose, which I hope will help with the dryness and pain."

• Man...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2018

For Birth Control "I started Lo Lo in August, it was suggested by my doctor because of the low estrogen, as I do get bad migraines. This was my first time ever being on birth control. The first couple of months weren't too bad, I did notice a little weight gain, and my periods became shorter. After October, I noticed my moods were changing, I was getting nervous and anxious very easily. I really didn't feel like me. Then I started getting a period every 2 weeks, along with all the symptoms (the PMS, the cramping). So I was really feeling horrible pretty much every week. My sex drive was pretty much completely gone, and sex actually hurt. I went to the doctor and was told to wait it out, I gave it another 2 months, but it still continued, and honestly, emotionally, I felt numb. Within two weeks of being off of it, I felt normal again, and my regular cycle came back. Everybody reacts to birth control differently, lots of women have a positive experience with this, but I was not one of them."

• Aas...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 15, 2016

For Birth Control "I started taking Lo Loestrin Fe in June after my son was born and have been on it for nearly 6 months. I originally received a 3-month trial package from my OBGYN, which from reading the reviews seems like the pharmacy company gave out a load of this birth control everywhere. My side effects include: my sex drive is nearly completely gone, and seeing as I'm in my prime and normally have an above-average sex drive, random one-day spotting, moodiness, cramping in my stomach and back, headaches, major bloating, feels like I'm always about to get my period, sleeplessness, and I've been unable to lose baby weight since I've been taking this birth control. I've given this an honest go, but I don't feel this birth control is for me."

• CC1...
• September 21, 2014

For Birth Control "I was on Lo Loestrin Fe for about two years. The first year and a half were great! I had absolutely no side effects, never had my period, and most importantly, never got pregnant. Unfortunately, near the end, I began experiencing severe vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, mood swings, and acne. I have no clue what happened, but am sadly discontinuing use. I am temporarily switching to the patch, which will hopefully work better with my body. I soon plan on getting either the Mirena or Nexplanon for long-term prevention and less hassle (I hope). The price was also terrible. For the longest time, I paid $75 a month, which eventually decreased to $50 and then to $25. Be sure to ask your doctor for the discount card and sample packs."

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 4, 2016

For Birth Control "I am a fan. For the first 3 months I took it, I had NO appetite whatsoever. I could've gone the whole time without eating. This side effect has subsided, and my appetite is normal. I gained no weight, which is something I was concerned about with starting birth control. The persisting side effects are that I have a very low sex drive and increased breast sensitivity. As for bleeding, I do get random red or reddish-brown discharge about once a month for 3-7 days. It is barely a 'period.' It doesn't line up with the placebo pills and is not regular. However, my period has never been regular. My doctor did confirm that this is OK, and it is still doing its job in preventing pregnancy. Personally, I still choose to use a backup method along with it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2023

For Birth Control "Honestly, mixed opinions. My biggest concerns when starting birth control were the potential weight gain and sex drive effects. For me, my weight has only changed by a few pounds, and my boobs have grown 2 bra sizes in 2 packs, so that’s nice. It’s very effective so far, contraceptive-wise, I regularly check in with pregnancy tests to make sure. On the sex drive effects, I don’t experience dryness or inability to orgasm, but the desire to have sex has decreased slightly. This isn’t a problem, as I used to be very hypersexual. I will say for the negatives, I have mental breakdowns and outbursts almost every day, my anger issues have gotten worse. I have no motivation for the gym or sports as I used to, or even for school work and basic tasks. All in all, I’m getting off of this in a few days."

• And...
• July 19, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this pill for several years now. I used to get debilitating cramps and ovarian cysts that put me in the hospital. So I love the pill for that... but now, the pill is the reason for my dead sex drive. And I don't know what to do. I have spoken to my doctor and my ob-gyn, and nobody seems to care enough to help me. I hate condoms, I can't feel anything. Just frustrated now..."

• Jbe...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 12, 2016

For Birth Control "I have been on Lo Loestrin for 4 months. Prior to this pill, I was on Gianvi, which is the generic of Yaz. I had to switch because after 3 years with Gianvi, I started to experience vaginal dryness and low libido. Lo Loestrin has been good, no negative side effects like I had with Gianvi. I haven't had a period in the time I've been taking it, which was worrisome at first, but I guess it's normal. No weight gain or change in appetite. As far as skin/acne, no trouble there. Give it a try."

• OMK...
• November 9, 2017

For Birth Control "I took this pill after I had my daughter. The only thing it was good for was preventing pregnancy and little to no cycle. I had no sex drive, I was moody, always crying, gained weight, depressed, etc. Literally, a week after I got off, I felt like a new normal person again, and I've dropped the weight. I won't be taking it again. Almost ruined my relationship."

• Tif...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 15, 2020

For Birth Control "I remember using BC in high school by the name of Loestrin 24 Fe to control irregular period cycling. It had given me the most intense mood swings, I lost my libido, and became miserable. Years later, I was going to try it again but mistook the name for Lo Loestrin. I figured I'd give it a try and see how it goes. Today is literally my second day on the stuff, and I literally feel like I was given a muscle relaxant. Way sleepy, mind is fuzzy. Forgot my phone in places unintentionally. Wasn't expecting this. I'll continue to observe my reaction. After getting more sleep, I feel better, but that hazy feeling was just unexpected."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2020

For Birth Control "Started Lo Loestrin Fe 3 months ago to prevent pregnancy and help with period cramps. I have a long, painful history with birth control pills. I have tried at least 5 different brands, and every one of them made me extremely nauseous until now. My personal pros for this pill include: no cramps, no nausea like others have caused, no headaches, more appetite, weight gain (which I needed). My cons: mood swings, skipped my period (I like to have my period so I know that I’m not pregnant), sore breasts but only for a couple of days before my period, slightly lower sex drive and fatigue. Everyone is different and everyone’s body reacts differently to different medicines, but I personally would recommend this one if you’ve had trouble with nausea on birth control pills. I take it around the same time every night, and so far it’s been effective."

• And...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 8, 2019

For Birth Control "Took this med for a little over two years for acne and stopped it because it completely killed my sex drive! I was completely dry, and it was killing my relationship with my bf. However, THIS IS THE ONLY THING THAT HAS WORKED FOR MY ACNE! Literally, it does wonders for acne and cleared my skin so fast! I have combo skin and break out frequently around my chin and forehead. I’ve tried so many high-end products for acne and skin care, tried everything in the book, such as drinking more water, eliminating dairy, etc. But the only thing that has consistently kept my acne away is this birth control! It does completely kill my sex drive for me, but having clear skin is worth it! It also makes my periods super light or nonexistent sometimes! Occasionally, I get hot flashes at night with this, and during the beginning when my body was still getting used to it. But nothing too crazy. Overall, I recommend this birth control to anyone! I have so many friends who take it and also love it!"

• Nic...
• March 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been taking this for over a year. With that being said, I have had no period the entire time I've been on it, which is great! The only biggest downside is my sex drive is completely gone. Sex is often very painful, and without my natural lubrication, it is hard for me to have sex for the few days after I have it! This has been enough for me to want to switch. My doctor told me it is common to become dry while taking low estrogen pills. I'm going to switch to a slightly higher pill in hopes of a higher sex drive!"

• Nic...
• March 18, 2017

For Birth Control "I have been taking this for over a year. With that being said, I have had no period the entire time I've been on it, which is great! The only biggest downside is my sex drive is completely gone. Sex is often very painful, and without my natural lubrication, it is hard for me to have sex for the few days after I have it! This has been enough for me to want to switch. My doctor told me it is common to become dry while taking low estrogen pills. I'm going to switch to a slightly higher pill in hopes of a higher sex drive!"

• Gab...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 19, 2015

For Birth Control "After over 1 year without birth control, I tried Lo Loestrin at the insistence of my OB. I tried it for 4 months, waiting for the bleeding and spotting to stop, despite making sure every day I took the pill at the exact same time. Besides the non-stop spotting, I also found my libido affected. I stopped wanting and enjoying sex. I finally went back to the pill I had previously used and am back to normal periods and enjoying sex."

• SM1...
• July 7, 2015

For Birth Control "I've been taking Lo Loestrin Fe for about two years now. I haven't had any horror stories with it, but I am switching. For the positive side, I never get my period, and I haven't gained/lost weight. On the negative side, I constantly have unbearable headaches, and I have absolutely no sex drive."

• New...
• January 3, 2017

For Birth Control "In the first few months that I was on this drug, I had a few side effects. I had some spotting between periods, not much, but some. The real issue was that I was ridiculously fatigued all the time. I constantly wanted to sleep, and every nap I took would last hours. The spotting went away after a month or two, and the fatigue went away after about 2 to 3 months. The only side effect I have now is a lowered sex drive. I used to get very heavy periods that lasted 7 full days with bad cramps almost every day. The very first period I had on this drug was already shortened by a day or two, and now, almost a year later, I barely even bleed anymore. I could do without the lowered sex drive, but as a whole, I have no complaints about my experience."

• Anonymous
• February 14, 2019

For Birth Control "This is the first and only birth control pill I have ever taken. I have been taking it for about 6 years now. The best part of this contraception, in my opinion, is that I get my period maybe 4-5 times per year. With Lo Loestrin, I will get my period maybe every 2-3 months, and it is super light and lasts about 3 days. Other than that, I didn't really notice anything with my skin (I have combination skin, I break out sometimes but have always had pretty decent skin). I may have gained a few pounds, but that's expected over the years from high school to college. As for side effects, I've noticed the most that it has significantly decreased my libido. That is really my only complaint about it. I have been taking it for so long now, I don't really remember if I had any other side effects in the beginning. As a contraception, I will say it has done its job."

• Gab...
• December 9, 2016

For Birth Control "I was on Generess before this, which was a mint chewable. Very strange. I had zero side effects from that, EXCEPT the dosage was so strong I had these sharp shooting pains in my chest like I was having a heart attack. So I switched to Lo Loestrin. I don't get my period anymore AT ALL. No spotting, nothing. No more shooting pains. My only complaint is that I've noticed a serious decline in sex drive. If they could somehow fix that, this would get 10 stars!"

• Bec...
• December 6, 2016

For Birth Control "I hate this birth control. I start spotting a week into my period every month (on it 3 months now) and have to wear a liner at all times. Horrible mood swings, no sex drive (the dark brown spotting all month doesn't help), and is barely covered by birth control. Still would have had to pay $70 out of pocket each month if I wanted to continue on it, which I don't. Will be switching back to Ocella as soon as I can, which didn't have any of these side effects. I got a 6-month sample of Lo Loestrin Fe and will be throwing out the remaining 3 months."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2016

For Birth Control "This was my first BC as well. After being on this pill for 3 months, my periods were more painful. I also noticed my sex drive went down, as well as my energy. It's pretty normal about a week before my period, I would have breast pain. But my breasts would be painful for 3 weeks or more before my period. I finally went the IUD route and am loving it. I have noticed how much happier I am! I would highly recommend anyone not to use this medication."

• sni...
• August 10, 2018

For Birth Control "Ladies, this pill has to be the worst form of contraceptive I've ever used. I only gave it a 2 because it kept me from getting pregnant, which was the goal. But that could have been because it killed my sex drive, and so I wasn't doing much in the bedroom department. But those side effects though... I took Ortho Tri-Cyclen for 10 years and I never had any side effects. I took this for 2 months, and my breasts felt physically hot to the touch like I had just had a baby and my milk came in. It was insane. They were swollen and tender and almost kind of hard for several days. It was very painful. Even my husband noticed it. I had huge emotional swings. I cried for an hour straight one day for no reason at all. I've had the worst cramps of my life for 4 days. My normal period wasn't even that level of cramping. And I would have spotting in the middle of the package. Plus I've gained 10 lbs in 2 months. Needless to say, I stopped taking it a couple of days ago."

• Lys...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2015

For Birth Control "I've decided to stop taking this pill because I have noticed it has affected my personality and how I feel in general. I've become withdrawn, sensitive, and just sad after about 3 weeks on this pill. I noticed a decrease in my sex drive as well. Physically, I have had no side effects, but the psychological side effects mentioned don't seem worth it to me, so I'm going to try Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo. My sisters take that one and are very happy with it. If that doesn't work, I'm going to switch to a non-hormonal method of birth control."

• FFF...
• October 26, 2013

For Birth Control "Took Lo Loestrin Fe for 2 weeks, and immediately had to discontinue. Started with spotting during the second week, developed anxiety attacks and unnecessary fears, back pain, low libido. After I stopped, it took a week for me to return to being functional. It's been about 6 weeks since I have stopped the pill and haven't gotten a period, and every few weeks, symptoms of anxiety and unnecessary fears come back."

• Kri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 6, 2017

For Birth Control "When I started taking Lo Loestrin Fe, it was great. It cleared up my skin, I didn't get pregnant, I didn't have any periods, it was AWESOME. About 3 months into it, I started seeing a major decrease in my sex drive. I was extremely moody and depressed, my husband and I fought pretty much on a daily basis... needless to say, I stopped taking it after my annual prescription ran out. I only took it because our insurance covered the entire cost. But after seeing the effects it had on not just me, but my marriage, I refuse to ever take this medication again. I HATE this birth control, and I wouldn't recommend anyone taking it."