Inspiring stories....

[nakedfaery.livejournal.com]

I've been getting a bit depressed recently because of all my woes with birth control. VP tends to be the place where people go with their problems, so we don't often hear good stories or see posts that say 'everything is going well'.

So I'd like to start a thread where people post good stuff.

So, what contraception are you using, what do you like about it? Are there any side effects? How do you cope with them? Would you ever change it? What disasters have you had with other methods before? How long did it take you to find the method that you are using now?

To start the ball rolling, I'm having a copper IUD fitted in 2 weeks time. I've tried mirena, Depo provera, 7 different types of combined pill and 2 types of progestogen only pills. I won't try the implant because the hormones are the same as a POP I've tried, which failed for me. My mirena expelled. Depo provera made me completely incapable of producing natural lubrication and I also bled the whole time. HBC makes me gain weight and breakout in acne, as well as have hot flushes and evil migraines.

I had a copper T IUD before and loved it, only switched to mirena because I didn't like the heavier periods. But now I've found a few supplements that should help, so I'm more hopeful this time.

Comments

[yvettel.livejournal.com]

Paragard IUD. Installed April 2007 So I have had it 13 months. I LOVE it. LOVE IT.
side effects- heavier periods. in the last year though, they have even calmed down a bit.
I wouldnt change it for the WORLD. Unless I could get a tubal for free. Cost was a bit shocking at first but hell, I doubled up pills and condoms (and I have a latex allergy so it wasnt CHEAP condoms either!) so its already paid for itself.


Hormones suck for me. I ovulated during ALL forms of the pill. (which is why when girls mention a second period despite being on the pill, my radar goes off and I jump up and down and send out a warning on ovulation.) Yes, I know I ovulated, I got to see an egg bursting forth from my ovary on the bigscreen during a transvaginal ultrasound. (the nurse said "thats gorgeous!" I said... "that shits NOT supposed to be happening!!!").
High dose hormones, made me insane. quite literally. Coming OFF the hormones, was horrendous. but I am SO thankful tobe hormone free. Even if I do have NASTY pms. (need to get that checked out because its not fair tome or TheMan!)

I love my IUD. Im a huge supporter of IUDs in nulliparous women. TheMan, loves the IUD too and will talk to total strangers about it. Hes a fan, Im a fan. its been wonderful for us.

[jennifer0246.livejournal.com]

A certain percentage of women will ovulate on hormonal birth control, but that shouldn't be taken to mean that she isn't protected from pregnancy -- the pill's other mechanisms are also effective as contraception.

[yvettel.livejournal.com]

They SHOULD still be protected from pregnancy. Doesnt mean they are. I was on the pill at 16, and got pregnant when I was raped.
My aunt also got pregnant on the pill. Both prefect users. And I doubt its just my family with their girly bits of wonder.

[frolicnaked.livejournal.com]

Though statistically, getting pregnant on the pill only happens to a very small fraction -- 1% -- of users. It's crap when it happens, obviously, but out in the general population, it is rare.

[ms-babygirl.livejournal.com]

I am on Apri (Ortho-cept). Have been for 3+ years. I love it. As far as I can tell no real side-effects except that on my placebo week I am more apt to get migraines (However, I get them all the time, so whatever).

I LOVE it because I only have 4 periods a year, I just skip the placebo week and continue on with my next pack. Pretty awesome! And I tested it out, cramps and the amount/length of my period is the same with every 4 weeks or every 3 months.

off topic

[riot-gurl-86.livejournal.com]

I LOVE your icon...I *heart* Dexter so bad.

[riot-gurl-86.livejournal.com]

Levora- been on it for almost 3 years now and absolutely love it!

I can stack them easily, which is great, especially since I'm a broke college kid, and tampons and panty liners every month get kind of pricey (yeah, I'll admit that part of the reason I stack is to save some cash on tampons...I've got one box of tampons that have lasted me since last fall...I rule!)

I was on Trivora to begin with, but after 2 months, I was crazy psycho lady, so I switched to a monophasic. Couldn't be happier.

There are only 2 minor problems I've found with stacking my pill:
1)If I go more than 4 packs or so, I will get my 'period' regardless of if I'm taking the placebos or not,
and
2)My PMS is insane when I do get it. I've tried to be better about calming myself down and understanding that when I snap at people it's not me, it's the hormones doing it. The Boy is getting better at understanding that too.

[altorogue.livejournal.com]

I'm on my second month of Yazmin, and I adore it. I certainly don't adore the price, whatsoever, but if it keeps the way it is . . . I was having 2-week periods, late periods, soaking through a super plus tampon in two hours. Now it's three days and very light, and I really hope it keeps on this way! I'm quite happy to be on a solid BC, after a rather disasterous run with the patch- it made my skin break out into this lovely rash- and other BC.

Plus, I feel like a human being again!

[cbackson.livejournal.com]

Jolessa (the generic of Seasonale) for three years and I ADORE it. The first couple of cycles, I had some breakthrough bleeding, but now I don't. In fact, I'm able to stack the packs, so I have a period only about every 5 months. When I do have periods, they're super-short (3 days max), light, and almost painless.

[oconel]

I'm starting with FAM and so far I'm loving it :)

[chef-rex.livejournal.com]

On Nuva Ring for the last 3+ years, love the convenience and stackability, the only downside for me is somewhat reduced libido.

Tried lots of pills, with mixed results; tried depo-provera, and I'm pretty sure that it's so effective at preventing pregnancy (for me) because I was so puffy, hairy, and cranky that no-one in their right mind would have wanted to have sex with me. >:O

[nmbr5wthabulet.livejournal.com]

Quasense (generic of Seasonale) and I LOVE IT SO MUCH. I hate having periods (though I do get cramps now which is weird) so having only 4 a year works for me. I was on Yasmin for a while and it absolutely killed my skin - cystic acne, zits everywhere. I researched on my own and decided to ask my doctor to change my prescription and Ive been good ever since.

[hello-vera.livejournal.com]

Was on dianette for years, stopped taking it due to weight gain, heavy painful periods, zero sexdrive, skin freaking out and dangerously high blood pressure causing nosebleeds and migranes.

Have been on depo provera for the past year and really do love it. My skins gone a bit batshit at the moment but no periods, no bloatedness, an actual sexdrive!, not being a crabby old lady with everyone and not worrying about missing pills makes it all worth it.

No one really discusses their BC unless they are having issues with it. Which is a shame really

xx

[betterbebalboa.livejournal.com]

I'm on Kariva (generic of Mircette), and I love love love it. It was the first form of birth control I tried, and it was perfect for me. My periods are incredibly light on it--barely noticeable bleeding, about 2 days long, and pain-free. My libido went UP on the pills. And I have very high confidence about my protection from pregnancy, because I feel in control of all the factors that can increase my protection (i.e. taking the pills every day, on time, not taking antibiotics at the same time, not exposing the pills to heat or cold, etc.) And what makes it even better is that it's only $10 a month with my insurance!

I feel so lucky to have gotten such a good method for me on my first shot. I wouldn't change anything unless I was trying to get pregnant for the first time!

[flowerprincess.livejournal.com]

Yasmin has "cured" me of long periods every two weeks and horrible acne. I love it so!

[cheeseydreams.livejournal.com]

Jolessa, generic of Seasonale, started taking it one year and a few weeks ago. Generally no complaints, except during the first cycle where I experienced BTB (which prompted me to join this lovely community, because I was freaking out that something was wrong with me).

Previous to that, I was taking Necon 1/35, Generic to Ortho Novum 1/35. I took that birth control the longest. Starting when I was 16.

When I was 22, I decided I wanted to try the patch, Ortho Erva, because I wasn't exactly a 'perfect' user (not even closer to a typical user either). I was on the patch for about a year, year and a half (I don't really remember exactly, there was a lot going on at that time). During that time, I experienced what I affectionately called 'sausage foot'. My left foot swelled up to the point where you couldn't see the toe knuckles or any of the tendons. After visiting my PCP and then a podiatrist, it was concluded that the cause was fluid 'regurgitation'. I was prescribed a compression stocking. Imagine my horror at having to wear an old lady stocking. Eventually, coinciding with a break up, I decided I no longer wanted to be on birth control. Lo and behold, when I stopped using the patch, the swelling went away.

About a year of being off birth control (and many stupid drunken nights later) I decided that I should go back on, for my own good, and went back on Necon 1/35, and have been a perfect user ever since.

I hope to switch to Mirena if this current relationship lasts (it'll be a year next month, I'm giving until we hit the two year mark before I'll get it inserted).

necon

[chasa28.livejournal.com]

I know this is supposed to be positive but I thought I'd share with you anyway. I did really good with Necon for probably over a year until this March. I was having shortness of breath occasionally & thought I had a pulled muscle in my calf. One day I passed out in the b/r at work (I'd never passed out b4) & went to the er. This happened on a Friday & all weekend they kept checking for heart problems. Finally after convincing my dr that I could not do a stress test because of my leg, they sent me for an ultrasound. Turns out I had about 3 blood clots in my leg. They then send me for some kind of scan & I also had SEVERAL clots in my lungs. They sent me that day to another hospital better equipped to handle this type of situation. They inserted an ivc filter into my heart to catch any more clots & I'm on blood thinners. This was VERY scary! To know that I was that close to dying. I know that this can happen with any bc but when I saw that you were taking this one I felt the need to share my story with you....Good luck.

Re: necon

[cheeseydreams.livejournal.com]

I totally understand, one HBC can work wonders for one person, but do horrible horrible things to another. I'm sorry that the necon did this to you, but I'm glad you are ok! I'm off all oral contraceptives now, I had the Mirena IUD inserted 1 1/2 years ago. I love it, but I know that it's also one of those contraceptives that is not for everyone.

I do have to add that while I did like Jolessa (Seasonale) at first, it had a really negative affect on my migraines and increased my blood pressure. I went from one or two a month to 2-3 a week with headaches every other day. It was awful. I started taking a preventative migraine med three months before I switched to the IUD, and then weaned off them this past christmas. I have been migraine free for over 1 1/2 years, and my blood pressure has returned to normal.

[cecinestpastout.livejournal.com]

I'm the proud owner of some womb-jewellery - I've had my copper IUD for a year (and 11 days!) and I'm loving it. I had some killer cramps around my period for the first few months, but since then nothing major. It really is the best thing that's ever happened to my womb :)

[sprtwrid.livejournal.com]

i just wrote out my birth control horror story for another post, but its way to long to fit in your typical comment box. Instead, if you really want to read it, it can be found at:
http://sprtwrid.livejournal.com/184311.html#cutid1

[dayglow.livejournal.com]

I started with trinessa (generic for ortho tri-cyclen) which worked out well for the first year. Then I would become incredibly nauseated which progressed to full-on vomiting for the first night or two that I started a new pack. (I take my pill at 10 pm.) So I switched to OTC-lo and the vomiting stopped. Unfortunately, my insurance stopped covering it, so I was switched to aviane (generic for alesse) which I was on until 2 months ago because they stopped making aviane, and am now on lutera.

I had some stomach unhappiness when I first went on the pill, but it subsided after about a month. My boobs grew a tiny bit - I'm pretty much the only person who noticed and that's cause I don't wear shirts whenever possible. :P My cramps decreased and my blood flow was also lighter and shorter.

Recently though, my cramps have become worse and tend to last longer into the period. I don't know if it has to do with HBC or if it's just me getting older, but it's still quite manageable so I'm not too worried.

[chemgirl2004.livejournal.com]

ooo...they stopped making Avaine? I thought it was just Walgreens stopped carrying it, they switched me to Lutera (which gave me all these side effects). I switched to CVS and they still carry Avaine.

[dayglow.livejournal.com]

oh, hmm. Maybe it is just walgreens, as they're the pharmacy I go through. About 2-3 months back a poster wrote about how she'd been switched from aviane to lutera (I admonished her saying 'I just got my pills this week and there was no problem' - I ate my words the next month, heh, and felt pretty stupid) and I was switched 2 months ago. I got used to having the softpack for my pills though and now having a hard case again feels REALLY weird. (I keep them in the back pocket of my jeans when I go out without a purse.)

[loveofdaisies.livejournal.com]

I've been wanting to make a "nuvaring rocks!" post for weeks now but i didn't want to seem braggy so I'm glad you made this post!

but seriously...it rocks. not having to take a pill everyday is the most miraculous thing that has ever happened to me. and i can't feel it! I was most surprised by this because I figured it'd drive me nuts to have something in my vagina 24/7. but it doesn't! I felt it a little during the third week because it kept wanting to slip down but other than that it's been really great! and my fiance doesn't feel it during sex either which is good.

I feel less moody which is a very big improvement compared to my other experiences with the pill. the only complaint I have is that my skin is breaking out more. but it's not excessive by any means.

[unprotectedrex.livejournal.com]

I have felt the same way! I love the ring so much! I am always sad to hear when it doesn't work well for other women, but everyone reacts differently to different forms of birth control.

[chemgirl2004.livejournal.com]

Aviane (generic for Alesse)

I've been on Alesse or one of it's generics for almost 8 years. Never had any problems except when I miss a pill.

Tried the Nuvaring for about 6 months, but killed my sex drive and it became super expensive ($60/month!).

Mirena!

[totheleft.livejournal.com]

I have a Mirena. I love it. insertion was a bit painful but barely, and i've had no cramps or negative side effects since. I LOVE IT

[plastikgyrl.livejournal.com]

My current method of contraception is grouchy non-voluntary abstinence. Being a single mama of 2 is an amazingly effective method.

I kid (mostly). Every kind of pill I've been on has been horrorshow with the migraines and the ZOMG THE WORLD IS ENDING depression. Nonoxynol-9 inflames my bits in agonizing and unfun ways. The lube on latex condoms seems to have a similar effect, though I noticed it far less with the polyurethane condoms and not at all with unlubed latex.

FAM was good to me, and even though I'm nowhere near sexually active with another human being, I still track my cycles (though not temps - my sleep habits are too wonky for the temp measurements to be accurate).

Best choices for me would be FAM + unlubed condom and/or a partner who doesn't make sperm.

Sorry for the novel, but I love my BC. *hugs*

[slipstreamborne.livejournal.com]

I've been on Ortho-Tri Cyclene for about 8 years now, since I was 14. I. LOVE. IT. I hit puberty early and I hit it hard and fast. Ever since my first period when I was 9/10 I'd had a very painful, very heavy cycle, and had really intense moods and skin issues, namely in the form of the face acne from hell.

By the time my doctor suggested HBC, I had been using the strongest perscription topical ointment available to me for years at that point, along with anti-biotics, but to little avail. It had finally got to the point that I was going in for monthly liquid nitrogen peels, and while they did help it was very painful and distressing because the effects of the peel only lasted for about two weeks, tops. (For those not familiar with liquid nitrogen peels, I always called them the "popcicle from hell," and they consisted of my dermatologist taking a tongue depressor, coating it with frozen liquid nitrogen mix, and then rubbing it across my face; when I first started getting them done my doc advised me that some people found it distracting to try and meditate on whether the cyro was so cold that it felt like it was on fire or so hot that it felt like quick-freeze ice D:).

Anyway, since I'd hit puberty and gotten all of my growing done within two years of that (I was a *giant* 5th through 7th grade, though I'm relatively petite now), my pediatritian said that it was all right to go on HBC even though I was on the young side. I had some issues getting it at first, given that I lived in an area very conservative when it comes to issues involving sex, but with my mom's support I've been on it and very happy with it ever since. If there are any side effects for me I've not really noticed them; once I had issues with my insurance and missed two months of pills and that sucked BIG TIME, so I'm definately much happier even now on them than off. Skin is EXTREMELY better, my moods are more balanced, and my periods, while still pretty heavy, are much shorter and almost completely pain-free.

Only issue that I have now is that now that there's a generic available for Ortho-Tri Cyclene I have to call and make sure the pharmacy has the brand name in stock before I can get my refill. There have been negative issues with the generic now offered for women who, like myself, take the pill primarily for the benefits hormone balance wise, with the BC being an added bonus. I'd much rather pay the extra five bucks a month than risk the possibility of depression that comes with the generic for gals like me.

One funny-ish little anacdote about my BC: my younger brother also had similar skin issues. He knew that I was on some sort of pill that had really helped me, so he asked his doctor whether or not he could go on the same pill that his big sis was on, you know, the one that came in a ring and was different shades of white, green, and blue. There was a bit of an awkward moment where my mom and his doc had to figure out a tactful way to explain that mine wasn't exactly a pill that boys could take and get the same effects. ;)

[storychick.livejournal.com]

I've had a lot of forms of BC that worked for me at various times in my life.

I was on Ortho 7/7/7 and then Triphasil for a few years each -- no problems on either one. FAM worked well for the years we were avoiding in between our children, as well as helping time conception to get them. :) We used condoms and the sponge and a diaphragm, I didn't love any of those methods but we never got pregnant when we didn't want to.

I tried both Mirena (gave me migraines, but I loved it otherwise) and Paragard (removed because of the heavy bleeding/cramping) and while I loved the spontaneity, the side effects on both were too much for me.

And now my hubby is snipped, and that has been the best thing of all. :) I'm sort of sad to know my reproductive years are done, but just not worrying about it is such a blessing.

[nakedfaery.livejournal.com]

One of partners is snipped, the other is not. We've only just got to the point of having condomless sex, so all the BC woes are starting over again! I will admit that the year or so when I had a nice sterile partner and no pregnancy worries with no BC interference at all was lovely!

[frolicnaked.livejournal.com]

I'm using Microgestin 1.5/30 Fe right now, and it's tolerable. I'm on it primarily for non-contraceptive purposes, but since it doubles as very effective contraception, I use it for the "no babies now" thing as well.

I like combined HBC in general because it gives me some control over my uterus. I stack packs to avoid the pain that comes with bleeding, so it's fabulous that I only need to go through this every 10 weeks or so, less often than my body would naturally. I also love that I can choose, to some extent, when to bleed. For instance, May is a super busy month for me generally, and this one was going to be especially so; at the end of April, I decided I could not deal with a withdrawal bleed in May, and so I took a hormone-free week then, when it was slightly more manageable for me to deal with. Additionally, it's nice to have periods that don't require me to empty my Mooncup every 3 to 4 hours for a week and a half.

I particularly like my current formulation because I've had no trouble with breakthrough bleeding while stacking, something that's been a problem with every other brand I've tried.

I don't like the increased acne and breast tenderness, but I can deal. I just stockpile the benzoyl peroxid, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil for the one and invest in good quality, supportive bras for the other. Also for the breast tenderness, I sometimes find myself wearing a cami top with a shelf bra to bed every once in awhile because it's just more comforable that way. I also experienced some lubrication issues at the end of my last hormone-free week/beginning of current pack that I think are at least partly attributable to the pills; marginally annoying, but lube is a quick fix. I do miss cycling regularly and being able to track those changes in my body; at the same time, I can no longer handle being in that much pain, bleeding that heavily, for that long.

Over the years I've been on -- please hold while I take off my shoes to count -- 13 formulations of combined HBC, 2 progestin-only pills, and Depo Provera. I have categorically become nauseated on every one of them; it's a "good brand" for me when the nausea doesn't result in (much) vomiting and/or it goes away within the first cycle. There's also the sensitivities to spermicide and latex, the recurrent breakage with polyurethane condoms, and the three expelled IUDs. There have also been the many, many frustrating phone calls, consultations, and rejections for tubal ligation. I also used FAM for a few years; it was great when I lived with my then-partner and when my periods weren't so bad, but... things change.

Overall, I've made quite a few BC switches over the years. For instance, I've tried 6 brands of HBC in the past 2 years, copper IUDs for several months before that, and FAM for a few years before that. At the time I used FAM, I wasn't really searching for another method; the same is true for my ParaGards, at least until the expulsions. But the HBC has been a renewed game of "guess and check." I'm glad I have a brand where it seems I've finally guessed right, more or less.

[leastlikely.livejournal.com]

I'm on Sprintec-28 (orthocyclen). I've been on it for nearly 2 years, and it's the only form of HBC I've ever used. I love it! It upset my stomach for the first month, but I stuck with it and it's been great ever since. Over the time that I've been sexually active, I've developed a latex allergy that just keeps getting worse D: I've been with two men, and got tested with both of them and we were all found to be STI/STD free, so... I've used condoms on occasion (for a few months before I started on the pill, and my first time with my current partner), but the last time we used one I had such a severe reaction that it hurt to sit down for about two days afterwards. So... nowadays, I'm on Sprintec and my partner pulls out before he ejaculates.

[oopsiedaisies7.livejournal.com]

I'm just finishing up my first month on Ortho-Cyclen, and I was nauseous constantly for the first 2 weeks or so. It's completely gone away lately though, so I'm hoping it won't come back.

I really like this pill so far...I haven't had any bad side effects at all except the nausea. My SO also pulls out, partially for the added protection, partly so I don't drip for hours afterward, and partly because I like playing with his jizz on my stomach =) hahaha

[dea-sex-machina.livejournal.com]

Same-sex sex sure helps me avoid pregnancy, as does the use of various toys. Not being snarky, actually: "creative" sex gets to be very fun-focused without the gambles of PIV. When my bits get near opposite-sex bits (and here I'm using "sex" to connote gonad configuration rather than social and emotional identity), I'm a big fan of wrapping relevant bits in a nice impermeable barrier and salving it with something like Hydra-Smooth. Come to think of it, that works for everything else that might be insertable.

[frolicnaked.livejournal.com]

Not being snarky, actually: "creative" sex gets to be very fun-focused without the gambles of PIV.

Agreed. When I used FAM as a primary method of contraception, my then-partner and I used "oral only" as our back-up method during my fertile times. Of course, it wasn't really oral only, but any form of sexual activity that didn't carry with it a reasonable risk of pregnancy.

[unprotectedrex.livejournal.com]

I have been on the Nuva ring for over two years now and I really, really love it. I have honestly experienced no negative side effects from it... my libido is still just as raging as ever, my periods are lighter and much less debilitating (I still get cramps, but not nearly as bad I was). Plus, the Nuva ring is so easy to use and stack. I am on a schedule where I have 6 periods a year - I wear one ring for four weeks, but a new ring in immediately, and wear that one for three and take it out for a ring-free week (during which I use a Diva cup, where are also awesome - I have been loving my menstrual cycle as of late!). This cycle has been working great for me, and duh, best part, I've had lots of sex over the last two years and not gotten pregnant. :)

[unprotectedrex.livejournal.com]

P.S. NUVA RING ROCKS!

[tehfanglyfish.livejournal.com]

Ok, here's my good story. A couple of days ago I was freaking out that I had herpes (or something). I was able to get in to see my dr. Turns out all I was suffering from was vaginal dryness, which was leading to tears, chafing, etc. Ok, so that's not the best news, BUT... I was able to get a prescription from Kariva (generic of Mircette) to Apri (generic of Desogen). I had been on Desogen about 4 years ago and loved it, but my college pharmacy stopped carrying it and so I was switched to Kariva. Because the hormonal content is slightly higher, my dr. said it should reduce the dryness. Only four more days of Kariva!!!!!!

[burntbuffalo.livejournal.com]

FAM backed with celibacy, and Plan B on hand at all times! Ok, the first part is my absolute choice, and the second bit is mostly a simple lack of a partner as well as a choice, and the third is because I believe in being prepared. But, with all seriousness, I love FAM even though I'm not in a sexually active span of my life right now. I get what's going on in my uterus and ovaries and it's not giving me any surprises. I also really like being able to anticipate the windows where I'll be particularly uncomfortable and bloaty or moody so I can change my diet and supplements to balance myself back out to normal.

[breathless83.livejournal.com]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE my NuvaRing. I hardly noticed any side effects. Occasional trouble reaching orgasm but I am also on anti-depressants so who knows which to blame. Of course I'm one of those girls who never had a change of breast with the Ring or ortho-trycyclin. I can't stack my periods... tried once and it ended miserably for me. But overall it's great. I don't worry about taking the pill on time with a changing schedule and I don't worry about pregnancy. The fact that it is so easy to deal with is great... never had a problem that wasn't my own fault.
My boyfriend did have rubbing issues and some pain for a little while, especially in certain positions (on top is a problem for some reason on occasion) but it seems to have been worked out with time.
Great idea for a post by the way, it's awesome to read everyone's stories. I feel so much smarter!

[starfishmedley.livejournal.com]

I've been on the combined pill (Microgynon 30) for 2 months, and it's going pretty well so far! I've only had two side major side effects: on the first couple of days that I take it again after having my period, any emotional fragility I would normally have is intensified and I'll cry at the drop of a hat or just generally feel a bit glum and like I'm on another planet. Also, again during the first couple of days, if I get hungry and don't eat straight away it doesn't take long for me to feel really nauseous, kind of like morning sickness.

Other than that it's fine - I haven't had any difference in sex drive/orgasms, depression or mood swings during the month, weight gain, etc. I think it might have made my hair a little less greasy, and weirdly, I don't get any hair on my upper lip any more. When I first started taking it my boobs got a bit bigger, but they've returned to normal now. On the whole, I don't mind it at all; the minor drawbacks are definitely worth the intimacy and convenience (and cheapness! I live in the UK so my BC is free) of condomless sex. :)