How long is pill adjustment period? other options? - Birth Control Message Board

may20 · 11-24-2006, 12:08 AM

I 31 years old and went back on the pill in early 2006 after a 10 gap. In my early twenties I was on ortho-tricyclin. The side effects were so bad that I went off the pill. I did not try others as I was not in a relationship. In March 2006 I started on a new pill as I began a commited relationship. The decrease in libido was obvious from the start. In September I went to my Doctor and changed to Loestrin24Fe because of the decrease in hormone dosage. Some of the symptoms have ceased. I had a 1 month gap between the two pills. Although most of the symptoms have gone away, I am still having libido issues. My partner has been patient, but it is obvious that things are not improving. I intend to go back to my doctor in a month. I live abroad, so it is difficult to see someone consistently. My questions are:

Have I given my body enough time to adjust to the pill? In truth I have been on the new pill for just over 2 months. I want to stop now, before going to see my doctor, as this is making life a bit difficult. I know that the symptoms are caused by the pill because i did not experience these problems during the month gap. They started up again the day I started the pill.

Besides going through a regiment of trying other pills are there any other suggestions on forms of birth control? My partner and I still use condoms as I am always overly causious.

Any advise would be appreciated.
thanks

Zenobiadestiny · 11-24-2006, 08:04 AM

Yes, I would give it another month. Other than your libido hasn't returned, what other side effects are you experiencing?

may20 · 11-28-2006, 02:28 AM

Thank you for the advise. My other side effects are mild in nature, but include: moodiness, breast enlargement, increased appetite leading to weight gain, and brittle nails. I can deal with these as they are mild in nature. The difficulty comes in relations with my partner. After alot of patience I only ever achieve about 10% of satisfaction where as prior to the pill I functioned at 100% to 150%. The difference is quite significant, hence the frustration. I am lucky in that we have a good open communication on the subject, but this cannot continue. Do you have any suggestions other than the pill and the condom? (I would like to do some research before going to my doctor)