Hormonal Contraception: The Pill [General Discussion]

Ladies, for those of you who've been on the pill for a while, how much did your libido tank? I know that’s a major side effect, and honestly, it’s the only thing making me hesitate about starting them. Everything else seems fine. Did it hit you all at once, or was it more of a slow fade?

Also, do you deal with frequent infections down there since you started? I've read that birth control is a huge culprit behind constant yeast infections and bacterial issues.

I’ve never really dealt with any issues regarding UTIs, nor have I ever had any physical discomfort down there...
👎But my libido? Well, that was a whole different story. To be perfectly honest, I felt like it had completely vanished while I was on the pill—just absolutely zero drive left in me.

Kyle Foster35 said:Ladies, for those of you who've been on the pill for a while, how much did your libido tank? I know that’s a major side effect, and honestly, it’s the only thing making me hesitate about starting them. Everything else seems fine. Did it hit you all at once, or was it more of a slow fade?

Also, do you deal with frequent infections down there since you started? I've read that birth control is a huge culprit behind constant yeast infections and bacterial issues.

It isn't necessarily that the pills are wiping out your natural flora—it's more about how delicate that ecosystem is. Think of acidity as your body's built-in security system... Naturally, sperm isn't a fan of that acidity, so it works to neutralize it just enough to allow for fertilization. And let's be real—someone using pills for protection probably isn't reaching for a condom every single time either...

Unprotected sex = a higher chance of disrupting that essential acidity.

Weakened acidity = an open invitation for yeast and bacteria to move in.

Kyle Foster35 said:Ladies, for those of you who've been on the pill for a while, how much did your libido tank? I know that’s a major side effect, and honestly, it’s the only thing making me hesitate about starting them. Everything else seems fine. Did it hit you all at once, or was it more of a slow fade?

Also, do you deal with frequent infections down there since you started? I've read that birth control is a huge culprit behind constant yeast infections and bacterial issues.

So, my sister noticed her sex drive dropped right after the first pack. For me, though? It’s been totally fine. No weight gain, no headaches, nothing really... just zero side effects so far.

The main reason my doctor suggested it was to help with my PMS, because mine is absolutely brutal. It’s still happening, too. Like, ten days of pure misery. It used to be even worse, though, so I’m really hoping it starts tapering off bit by bit...

If you need one, I’d suggest Softinelle P.

What’s the current damage when it comes to birth control prices?

Switching from Lyndionet to Yaz. My period started today, so I’m a bit lost on how to kick this off. Should I take the first pill today, or did I mess up? The instructions say to start Yaz right after finishing the last Lyndionet pill.
I have this vague memory of my gynecologist saying to wait until the first day of bleeding, but honestly, I can't remember for sure.🙂

Is there any way to get these pills without a prescription?

Hannah Kim5 said:Is there any way to get these pills without a prescription?

Not in the States.

Tyler Vaughn5 said:What’s the current damage when it comes to birth control prices?

I'm on Naelia pills—they run me about $6.75 per pack, I guess.

Kyle Foster35 said:Ladies, for those of you who've been on the pill for a while, how much did your libido tank? I know that’s a major side effect, and honestly, it’s the only thing making me hesitate about starting them. Everything else seems fine. Did it hit you all at once, or was it more of a slow fade?

Also, do you deal with frequent infections down there since you started? I've read that birth control is a huge culprit behind constant yeast infections and bacterial issues.

Personally, my drive hasn't dropped—it actually went up quite a bit, 😁 though I'm not sure if it's the hormones or just feeling more free, I guess.

Regarding infections, I dealt with one for over a year while on the pill. I didn't really have issues before, but this popped up during the summer when it was scorching hot—plus some unprotected sex and a pretty crappy diet, so I suppose it was kind of expected.🤦

I’m stuck without a gynecologist because my doctor’s contract with Blue Cross just ended. I'm currently on Yaz. They promised a new provider would be stepping in to take her place, but nothing has happened yet and I haven't found anyone else.
I thought I could just walk in and get a private prescription, but when I stopped by an office yesterday, they looked at me like I had landed from Mars. Am I dealing with a bunch of jerks, or is it actually impossible to get a private prescription like that?

James Taylor69 said:I’m stuck without a gynecologist because my doctor’s contract with Blue Cross just ended. I'm currently on Yaz. They promised a new provider would be stepping in to take her place, but nothing has happened yet and I haven't found anyone else.
I thought I could just walk in and get a private prescription, but when I stopped by an office yesterday, they looked at me like I had landed from Mars. Am I dealing with a bunch of jerks, or is it actually impossible to get a private prescription like that?

Look, I once missed my refill window entirely and just walked out with a new pack at full price—totally fine, no prescription required. I'm on Lindynette 20.

Lonegull81, it’s awesome they were willing to give it to you without a prescription. I just hit up a few pharmacies and they wouldn't budge. Looks like I’ll have to take a break...

James Taylor69 said:Lonegull81, it’s awesome they were willing to give it to you without a prescription. I just hit up a few pharmacies and they wouldn't budge. Looks like I’ll have to take a break...

That was at the CVS over on Nehajska. The girls there told me I could even get a refund if I brought the prescription in within like ten days... kind of like buying on "credit," though I guess it probably depends on what pills you're popping.

lonegull81 said:That was at the CVS over on Nehajska. The girls there told me I could even get a refund if I brought the prescription in within like ten days... kind of like buying on "credit," though I guess it probably depends on what pills you're popping.

I mean, I think it also depends on why you’re even taking them in the first place. For some stuff, I can only get it if they look at my medical history because we're talking chronic issues—like thyroid stuff, for example—so I have to be actively on a treatment plan.

If it's just birth control and that six-month window has already closed, you’re probably gonna need a fresh script.

Matthew Fox16 said:Hey, I’m about to start taking birth control for the first time. My OB-GYN prescribed Softinelle P. Anyone here actually used these before? There’s basically zero info online, except for some random forums out of the Czech Republic...

I have used them before. They contain low-dose hormones, essentially equivalent to Yaz, though they are manufactured by our local provider, Pliva. They are quite a bit more affordable than Yaz, costing roughly $17. My first day was rather chaotic, leaving me feeling quite exhausted, though everything stabilized eventually... I did deal with some mid-cycle spotting, and my periods remained painful, along with some acne and oily skin issues. However, I believe that was simply because my body doesn't respond well to low hormone dosages or this specific formulation, which is why my doctor eventually switched me to a different brand...

James Taylor69 said:Lonegull81, it’s awesome they were willing to give it to you without a prescription. I just hit up a few pharmacies and they wouldn't budge. Looks like I’ll have to take a break...

That’s strange. In my case, they checked my insurance card and saw I had been on the pill for a while, so they processed it through my coverage, though I ended up paying the full price upfront—about $20, while the total came to ninety-something—and then my OB-GYN had to submit the official prescription to the pharmacy. Once she did that, I went back with my receipt and the stamped paperwork confirming the initial charge, and I was able to get a refund...

Hannah Kim5 said:Is there any way to get these pills without a prescription?

No, because attempting to take these medications without conducting proper medical screenings would be quite irresponsible, which is why they are strictly prescription only. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for oral contraceptives—certain conditions like diabetes, vascular diseases, or migraines with aura can make them dangerous... That is why American gynecologists insist on comprehensive checkups, including blood coagulation tests and liver function panels. Furthermore, one must consider family medical history, specifically looking for hereditary risks of pulmonary embolisms or deep vein thrombosis, which can sometimes be linked to other serious conditions...

I finally managed to pull it off too—getting those pills on credit with just that little slip of paper. It’s clearly super important whether you've shopped there before. She asked if I had picked up my birth control from their pharmacy specifically, and since she saw I'd been in a few times already, she handed them over without any issues at all.

Honestly, I’m just glad you finally got that sorted out once and for all 🙂