Does the combined pill cause cystitis?

How our community feel they have been impacted by cystitis on the combined pill

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

None or not sure

86%

A bit

7%

Quite a bit

4%

A lot

2%

A great deal

2%

Out of the 2355 reviews for the combined pill, 0 people (0%) reported cystitis.

Reviewers that reported cystitis as a side effect

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

Used for 8+ yr
26 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  25th Feb 24

  •  Stopped using

Started taking this pill 8 years ago when I was 18 for contraception and to lighten periods that were on the heavy side and quite painful. The first few years were great, periods were lighter and less painful, no notable side effects. I started tricycling packets a few years back allowing me to plan periods around events. I think with time periods on this pill became more painful and heavier, with some infrequent almost unbearable pains, maybe once per period I would have 10 mins of agony. My blood pressure is now slightly raised and I have been having heart palpitations/high Heart rate. I had a migraine with aura a few weeks back (during my pill free week so probably linked to hormone changes). My skin has worsened in the last few years with big chin and jaw cysts but again these are infrequent. I hadn’t noticed mood changes maybe as I had been on this pill for so long. My sex drive was also none existent and I would never think of initiating sex. Due to all these symptoms I have come off birth control all together. I was incredibly anxious about coming off the pill as the thought of no longer having control over my periods was so alien to me. Since coming off my heart symptoms have improved, migraines improved, skin has improved (but I have been using prescription medication too), mood has improved (apart from the few days before my period!). The first period back came exactly 28 days after stopping the pill and has been heavier but less painful and manageable using a menstrual disc. My sex drive Increased immediately after stopping the pill and even more so around ovulation. I had lost about 6lbs from around my hips and stomach in a few weeks with no diet changes. My boobs feel slightly smaller and are more sensitive. I am now looking for the right alternative contraceptive for me whilst tracking my monthly cycles and getting to know my body better. The doctors immediately recommended I switch to a POP which I haven’t done yet, as maybe non hormonal would be better. Coming off the combined pill has prompted some open conversations with friends, and to my surprise all have had their own struggles with combined pills and no longer take them. I think we need more support as young women to make informed decisions around these topics rather than get dumped on the cheapest medication available that have symptoms that impact so many aspects of physical and mental health. In summary it was good for a while and may be better for some people but don’t let yourself feel trapped by the convenience of this pill. Don’t ignore any negative side effects as ultimately your body knows best.

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Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 8+ yr
40 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  17th Feb 24

  •  Stopped using

After taking the contraceptive pill for the past 15 years and being told it’s perfectly safe, I found out at the beginning of this year that I have 3 tumours on my liver as a result of long term usage of the pill. This week I underwent major surgery and had a liver resection to remove the biggest tumour, which at over 7cm was at risk of haemorrhaging. I’ve got two other smaller tumours which will hopefully shrink now I’ve come off the contraceptive pill. I hope my story highlights that hormonal contraception is NOT SAFE!


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Used for 6 - 12 mo
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
  •  5th Jan 24

  •  Still using

I was on dianette from 16 to 23 it cleared my acne up amazingly then I had a 9 months break ot came back full force now back on it for 6 months and still have acne hopefully it will fade last last time . I had no side effects apart from slight water retention and slightly bigger breasts . I don't feel like it impacted my mental health much maybe increased anxiety slightly


Top side effects not reported

0 helpful

0 comments

Combined pill common side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

54% of the combined pill reviewers reported tender breasts

49% of the combined pill reviewers reported vaginal discharge

48% of the combined pill reviewers reported breast enlargement

45% of the combined pill reviewers reported period like cramps

40% of the combined pill reviewers reported vaginal dryness


Possible the combined pill side effects

Data is taken from self reported Lowdown user reviews

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