Gedarel 30/150 pill and pelvic infection

I went on the pill to not get pregnant, and in that way it has worked. However i have had suspicions since the beginning that it wasn't right for me and 5 years later I am looking to change. I feel bloated really often, my moods are lower and I was given anti depressants while on this pill, only starting to realise it might be related. Gained weight. Recently been having regular UTIs and pain after sex, my GP couldn't figure it out but says it might be hormonal.

I started taking this pill after another combined pill had caused severe moodswings. I researched the pills available and found Gedarel 30/150 was likely to work for me, with my strong family history of PCOS, thanks to the synthetic hormones chosen. I also chose this pill over one specifically prescribed for PCOS because a) I wanted a longer term contraceptive and b) I don't have an official diagnosis. ANYWAY - the side effects: Skin: I have had acne for most of my life and I had mostly clear skin after a couple of years on this pill. Emotions: I was much more sensitive than I used to be and more likely to feel insecure or become tearful. Periods: Light and regular. Sex life: The main reason I have stopped taking this pill and am not going to use another hormonal contraceptive is because it killed my libido, I also suffered from UTIs over the years, so the two combined greatly harmed my sex drive. Downstairs health: I had severe urology problems that coincided with my use of this pill, though I do not think it was to blame. I'm thrush-prone and the pill may have slightly improved this. Weight: No change for me and no trouble maintaining a weight I was comfortable with. I've lost some since withdrawing but it's a really negligible amount. In summary, it was an ok pill, probably one of the best hormonal contraceptives I have tried, but I am happy to come off it.

My breasts enlarged noticeably by a cup size quite quickly. But I’ve also put on over a stone within 6 months without any big changes to lifestyle/diet. I’ve experienced a dip in sex drive. The good thing about this pill is that it reduced the menstrual cramps dramatically and I haven’t had any change in mood/emotions.