IUB Ballerine vs Progestogen-only / Mini pill

Have had the ballerine iud for 7 months and it’s a great change from my last contraception (bar implant). Wanted something that wasn’t hormonal and this was the best choice. Insertion was painful but cramps were gone after an hour or two. Periods have been very irregular still (late, heavy bleeds & spotting for days after), hoping/expecting for them to go back to normal around now since i’m 6months+ on. Other than that no issues & i recommend this over anything else ive tried.

Had very heavy periods. Ended up requiring blood transfusion.

I had my IUB inserted in March 2019. I didn't have any pregnancies before. The insertion of the device was the most painful experience of my life, almost passed out and threw up at the doctor's office, it was a really intense sharp pain. I also had very intense cramps for 2 days after insertion, no pain killers helped. I suppose that's what being in labor feels like, I constantly had an urge to push. After this, everything was fine, the device is reliable and comfortable; and I am using it for more than 5 years now (obgyn said I can use it up to 6 years if it works well). During these five years I had increased bloodflow and sometimes mid-cycle spotting because of the device, but nothing too bad. Overall, I would recommend.

I tried the mini pill after experiencing migraines after 6 years on the combined pill. First I tried Zelleta which gave me such low mood and tearful all the time, as well as constant spotting. I wanted to try Norgeston as the synthetic hormone is different. My mood definitely improved (although a little more anxious) and I’ve had no spotting, but my periods are so irregular, really close together and so heavy I can get through more than 3 pads a day. I’ve had 2 periods a month for the last few months and will end up with an iron deficiency at this rate! Running out of options

I must say that this pill absolutely saved my life. Suffering from severe endometriosis pain & PMDD and it reversed the effects of that. I have control of my moods and body back and I’m so grateful. I must leave a positive review because it’s not all bad. The beginning was rocky with irregular bleeding but this stopped after 8 months or so. It was worth it.

I started using this pill to help with endometriosis symptoms. Instead of making me bleed less, I was bleeding every 12 days, and for about a week at a time which was exhausting and painful. I would also get night sweats and felt very low in mood at times. I tried it for 5 months but I couldn’t deal with 2 periods a month, so I have switched to a combined pill to see if that is any better.

I was put on this pill after I suffered from bad migraines from the combined pill- I wanted to try contraception to tackle my low moods, PCOS and acne. I became so depressed over the course of about 3 months, to the point where I went to the GP to try and get some therapy/talk about possibly taking antidepressants. Straight away the GP was like 'oh just stop taking the pill'- I did and a few months later I felt normal again. Literally can't believe that GPs prescribe this stuff without giving you proper warning- I felt like an empty shell of a person for a few months literally all because of this pill.

Positive

i was put on this pill due to me being incredibly hormonal and 'hysterical' every month (on top of other issues i was facing). i was put on at 15-16 years of age i am now 18. my skin became more acne-like on cheeks and chin, whereas before it was just one or two. my breasts grew a lot, which was hard for me to come to terms with. thinking of coming off due to just 'having enough' and being worried about blood clots etc.

I've tried so many pills and was really hoping this one would be different but sadly not. I started on day one of normal period, stopped bleeding for a few days but then after being intimate with my husband I've been bleeding daily for 2 weeks. I know it says it can take months to settle, but I can't cope with 3 months of bleeding. It makes me miserable, I smell and constantly feel unclean. I wish I could find one that doesn't make me bleed.

I switched from Yasmin combined pill to Cerelle after getting a migraine with aura. I've been on Cerelle for about 4 months now. Overall, I'm quite happy - mood is stable and no periods. Howerver, my skin which is awful at the moment. This could be also related to coming off the combined pill though. I do feel my hair thinned initially and was VERY greasy, but that has subsided. I also had really bad BO which is probably the most upsetting side effect. I feel this is getting slightly better now. My doctor told me to have a period before starting this pill to reduce spotting, and it worked - my periods have stopped entirely.

I have been on this pill for a little over 10 weeks with the hopes of it stopping my period altogether but I spent more time bleeding than not. Sometimes little bits here and there, sometimes a lot and for 10+ days at a time. I found myself having a lot of down days and googling PPD symptoms. The worst thing I noticed was the brain fog. My ability to remember things and speak clear and cohesive sentences was just obliterated. I’m on day 2 post stopping and it feels a little better already although I have started my withdrawal bleed. I know you should give your body at least 3 months to settle after starting but honestly that was enough time for me. I just hope my cycle goes back to normal fairly soon!

I started the generic name for it: Desogestrel, I got given the brand Desomono once too, but most of the time the generic name. On it for 6 months, coming to 7. It's been great in many ways I wanted. I was sacred my mental health would be affected or I'd get acne. I monitored but I didn't get any negative or increasing mental health issues. No acne. Maybe a bit of hair thinning but I have that problem from before. A little weight gain but it could be new marriage fat. My main concern which is annoying as I was happy otherwise was that after 15 days of taking it, I was bleeding non stop till this day, bloody discharge or just blood, not lots like period but annoying as I wore pads for the bit of blood so it doesn't go on the side of my knickers. I'm started to feel a bit itchy around my vulva but that could be due to constant wear of pads. My breasts are starting to feel a little tendor and I think I feel a little less lubricated down there during intimacy. I'll be trying the combined pill next month because of the above mainly the bleeding. I'm gonna try Levest.. I hope it doesn't play with my mind!!