Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 20, 2014

For Birth Control "I'd never been on birth control up until a few months ago, and I was given Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo as a starter because I did not want it to have much hormones. I went through two whole packs and decided to switch because of extremely low sex drive, extreme mood swings, and increased appetite (I would eat a full meal, and two hours later my stomach would be growling again). My relationship began to suffer due to these side effects, so I stopped taking it and am back to normal. However, this pill DID have pros: I didn't get pregnant, it regulated my period, and caused no breakouts or acne. But be wary of weight gain, decreased libido, and mood swings."

• Arm...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 9, 2013

For Birth Control "I began taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo when I was 13. I am now 22. I was not sexually active at the time, but my periods were extremely irregular. This specific oral contraceptive helped to regulate my period, and it has been perfect for the past 9 years. When reading these reviews, ladies must keep in mind that everyone is different. Genetics plays a huge role in whether you get/have bad acne, cramping, low sex drive, etc. It may not be because of the pill, necessarily. In my 9-year experience with this particular product, I have never had a scare when I took the pill as directed. You will have a few of those symptoms, it's just life."

• bec...
• January 14, 2015

For Birth Control "Overall, as a birth control, it did its job. My husband and I never used a backup birth control, and in the year and a half I was on it, I didn't get pregnant. The reason I'm only giving it an 8 is that around the time I was getting my period, I would go insane. Crying a lot... yelling, getting really angry for no reason. I had a low sex drive while I was taking it, but other than that, it got rid of my terrible cramps, and my acne cleared up a lot also. I just switched to Apri, so we will see how that goes."

• Sel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2014

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for 3 months, and I have suffered every side effect. The only reason I continue to take it is because of the low hormone levels. I have headaches with neurological symptoms, a change in appetite, my breasts were enlarged for 2 months, then went down to normal size. I'm also suffering from depression, and I lost my sex drive, as well as I can't climax. My skin looks better."

• Nik...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 6, 2021

For Birth Control "DO NOT recommend. I went from a happy, silly, chill, laid-back girl to absolutely crazy. My mood swings are completely uncontrollable, I have the worst anxiety I've ever had, I became depressed. This pill had me waking up in the middle of the night throwing up, constant panic attacks, and absolutely zero sex drive. I went to my OB, and she suggested I stop. I stopped it last night, hoping to get back to my old self."

• pla...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 24, 2013

For Birth Control "I've been taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo since February, with a 3-month break in the summer. I actually experienced very low appetite, when I'm at the end of my sugar pills, I'm starving, but the rest of the month I never feel hungry, so I think the pill has helped me lose weight. As for acne, no real difference, I'm still struggling with acne, but over the last year, being on or off the pill hasn't made a difference. I haven't ever been nauseous or sick at all, but I do take it at 7 pm. The biggest side effect I've noticed is low, low sex drive. Absolutely no interest in it at all. And very low energy. I plan on going off the pill to see if it's causing this side effect."

• chy...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 26, 2013

For Birth Control "I have taken this pill for 8 years. I am 23, 5'1, 110 lbs. Have never experienced weight gain and never had a pregnancy scare. I have always had clear skin, and it stayed that way throughout the pill. I missed a couple of pills last month and had spotting for a couple of weeks. But I swear by this pill! Although, once in a while, it did cause slight nausea and usually always low sex drive, as most others have agreed. Other than that, I think it's a great form of medication."

• JB1...
• July 6, 2010

For Birth Control "I've been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for 4 years now. First, I used it to control acne, then continued to use it for acne and birth control. This birth control has helped tremendously in controlling my acne. I did put on close to 15 pounds, and I'm only now starting to have luck in taking it off-slowly! My breasts did get a little larger, and I do experience tenderness, tingling, or itchiness sometimes. I have lost most of my sex drive. However, in October 2009, I started experiencing dizzy spells and vision problems that have turned into full-blown migraines, headaches, and body aches. Almost 2 months ago I’ve developed mild to severe digestive problems. Just wanted to share with others. Hope it helps!"

• SEa...
• February 25, 2014

For Birth Control "I've been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for a little over a year now. I had a positive experience with it when I was a teen, so I wanted to try this again. At first, I loved it. Now I have acne, which I've NEVER had a big problem with, crazy mood swings, and a low libido (not to mention vaginal dryness...) Hoping maybe a few more months will get me over this bad spell. I would love to continue taking it because this birth control has never let me down."

• Lau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 11, 2013

For Birth Control "I have taken this pill for four months now and don't really have anything negative to say. I hit my 'two-year limit' with the Depo shot I was on, so my healthcare provider suggested this pill. I haven't been nauseous, no headaches, no appetite changes, no bloating, etc. The only negatives I can definitely complain about are the acne and sex drive. My acne is well contained while on the pill, but during the week 'break' it flares up worse than I've ever experienced. Also, I've noticed an extreme loss of sex drive along with a loss of energy. I usually cringe at the thought of having sex and losing sleep; and the only thing that has changed about my routine is this pill."

• Anonymous
• June 16, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been using this pill for 3 years. I feel this pill helped clear up my acne. I have lighter periods, and my cramps are not as bad. I would recommend this pill for anyone who has a heavy flow and really bad cramps. Now my period only lasts a few days and hardly any pain. I do, however, get really emotional and moody! And have a decreased sex drive. I'm thinking about getting off of it because of my mood swings. Hope this helps."

• Ale...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 3, 2014

For Birth Control "I started using this birth control after a previous one since it was too strong (on it for 4 months). I have been using this for 7 months, and I have since gained 30 lbs. I eat very healthy and exercise 5 days a week, as well as live in a city, so I walk up to 8 miles a day. Plus, I am in training for a marathon, so I should be losing weight, not gaining it. I used this birth control for acne as well as for preventing pregnancy. I can say I have had no pregnancy scares, and my period came the same day every month, so I always knew when I would be getting it. It has cleared up my acne a little, however, not a lot. This is my last month taking it, as it is most likely the reason I gained so much weight, plus it took away my sex drive."

• Nat...
• November 5, 2016

For Birth Control "Natalia W here again, as I said I would review this pill if my period did not stop. I am on day 15 now of my period. It got lighter at day 9-14, where I never wore a tampon, however, I bled when I peed or worked out. Today I woke up, day 15, cramps, heavier bleeding, and wearing a tampon AGAIN. Made an appointment with my Dr to see if this is normal. I did just start this BC, so I hope my body is just regulating. Still no weight gain, no crazy mood swings, no acne. Just non-stop period. Will update with new info if necessary. Still not a bad pill because no weight gain, acne, and my sex drive is still pretty much the same, maybe a tiny bit lowered, but probably because I am constantly on my period."

• Lex...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• January 30, 2021

For Birth Control "I first got on this birth control at 15 years old and took it up until March 2020, when I regrettably got off of it for a 'break.' Since getting off of it, I constantly have acne on my forehead and cheeks (I’ve NEVER struggled with acne), my anxiety/insecurities have heightened, I get cramps during my periods, and I have a way lower sex drive. Oh, and I did end up getting pregnant even after taking Plan B. I started back up on it this morning and can’t wait to feel back to my normal self. Everyone suggested I get off the pill because it made everyone 'crazy,' but I got way crazier and emotional when I got off of it than when I was on it. I cry about anything and everything and never used to on the pill."

• Anonymous
• March 14, 2016

For Birth Control "I've been on this since I was 15, now 19, but at first, I didn't experience any symptoms except the daily discharge... But in the past year, my mood swings are horrible, my period cramps have gotten worse, I feel very depressed, and my sex drive is at an all-time low! Other than that, it works good for not getting pregnant. I hate the way it is making me feel. I recently have stopped taking it in hopes that I will return to the normal me, and started bleeding four days after not taking it."

• Not...
• September 30, 2011

For Birth Control "This pill is making me miserable. Since starting the pill three months ago, I have had mood swings, cramping, and periods that last between 10-14 days. I have never had a problem with my menstrual cycle until starting this pill. The real reason you won't get pregnant on this pill is because you are ALWAYS on your period! My pre-menstrual symptoms are also worse than ever. I am bloated three weeks out of every month, have terrible cramps, and almost no sex drive. I would not recommend this pill to anyone."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 29, 2012

For Birth Control "I can say that the only positive effect about this pill is that it prevented pregnancy. As long as I ate right before or after taking the pill, I would not get nauseated. My periods never became lighter, and I still had cramps. I did not develop acne or notice any weight gain, however. The reason why I stopped taking this pill was because I had overwhelming mood swings and depression. I also noticed a decrease in my sex drive."

• Anonymous
• January 11, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been using Tri-Cyclen Lo for almost 2 years, and I have decided to switch to Nordette. I like Tri-Cyclen Lo for not getting me pregnant, but it gave me a few side effects that I didn't want to live with again. I had a huge decrease in sex drive, I gained 25 lbs in weight, I cried a lot for any situation, I had mood swings, and my period lasted 5-6 days and was heavy with pain! I think the only good thing is that it cleared acne very well, my period came exactly on time and no pregnancies. I hope Nordette works better for me!"

• Ell...
• February 24, 2017

For Birth Control "I started this pill with the intent of settling my hormonal acne, and it worked WONDERS! My skin is very clear, and my periods are right on time and light. However, I am switching to a different pill as a trial because of the emotional side effects this has given me. My mental PMS is much worse, and I find myself very depressed often. I've also gained 5-10 pounds, and it's harder for me to lose weight, but nothing significant. I've also noticed a slight decrease in sex drive, if that's what you're into. However, there are ups and downs to all birth controls. If the next one I try isn't good, then I am definitely going back to Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo because it's overall been reliable."

• Anonymous
• February 17, 2012

For Birth Control "I have been on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for about 9-10 years, other than when I got off of it to have my 3 children. I never had any weight gain, acne problems, and never had any heavy bleeding. I had a light period and occasional moodiness, but nothing out of the ordinary. BUT! I have noticed a SEVERE lack of sex drive!! As in no sex drive at all, nothing, notta, zero, zilch!! This is a great pill to take if you don't care to have a sex life and are not married."

• Flu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 25, 2015

For Birth Control "I'm about 4 months in, the first month was pretty dreadful. I was sick all the time, even to the point where I was throwing up. After that, however, it became much more bearable. Acne has somewhat cleared up, but I've also put on like 10 pounds, even with my active lifestyle. That might be because I'm reaching my 30s? I've lost some of my sex drive, though, which is a bit depressing. Cramps aren't as intense. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it."

• Anonymous
• July 31, 2010

"I've been on this pill for a couple of months now, and I haven't experienced any of these problems others are listing. I don't feel like I'm going to vomit, I don't have migraines, I don't feel dizzy, nor have mood swings, but my sex drive has slightly decreased. I have yet to gain weight, and I think it's doing a pretty good job clearing up my skin. Also, my breasts have gotten a little bit bigger."

• Anonymous
• April 30, 2010

For Birth Control "I have been on this pill for about three years. It was the very first and only birth control pill I have ever taken. When I first started, I experienced nausea and vomiting, but it went away after a week. One time I forgot to take the pill, and I was horribly sick for two days. Overall, the pill does work. I am not pregnant, it helps with acne a little bit, and it decreases cramps. I do have a decreased sex drive, and I am emotional. I am planning to change or discontinue the use of birth control pills, but as always, everyone is different, and I would recommend consulting with your doctor."

• FDa...
• April 14, 2011

For Birth Control "I used this specifically as a contraceptive. At the beginning of every cycle (the first couple of white pills), I would wake up in the middle of the night with nausea. This would then lead to a couple of hours of throwing up. I also had severe headaches, mood swings, no sex drive, and I was bloated."

• Khr...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2012

For Endometriosis "I've only taken my third one. Just started Friday, I've had horrible heartburn, acid reflux. Stopped-up head, stomach cramps haven't left, though bleeding is fading slowly but surely. I have no appetite and no sex drive. Can't tell my husband that, though. Hoping it fades and my body gets used to it."