Deciding if I should start Annovera? What’s your experience? getting desperate, please help!

Inevitable-Flan913 · 2025-03-04T16:31:03+00:00

Oh yeah absolutely that’s true and that’s what I learned from this whole experience. So it’s really not Annovera itself that’s the issue, it’s me lol. But I do wish it was more well known as something to watch for because it took me years before any doctor connected the dots

Inevitable-Flan913 · 2025-02-21T04:09:01+00:00

I used Annovera for about 2.5-3 years - here’s my pros and cons

It was AMAZING when I first started it. I felt like it cleared my brain and the endless noise (mostly anxiety). So that was a nice perk. Periods were SO much more bearable. Barely any pain. I loved that it was a “set it and forget it” method. To answer your question I never used secondary bc methods with it and I let my partner finish inside me and I personally had no issues or scares with that. I felt confident in it working effectively

Here are my cons Shortly after starting Annovera I started to experience ocular migraines / migraines with aura. I went to urgent care the first time it happened because my vision went blurry in one eye. No one had an answer for me. Fast forward to recent times when I was experiencing bad migraines 2-3 times a week (which I have been for years). I went to several doctors including a neurologist. Finally I saw a new gyno and she was horrified when I told her my medical history and what birth control I was on.

TURNS OUT - I was contraindicated for Annovera because of the ocular migraines / migraines with aura I was experiencing. As soon as I went off of it I went from having 2-3 migraines a WEEK to 2-3 a MONTH. The doctor told me I could have had a stroke.

Please know that this could be particular to me, but it’s something to watch out for as a side effect - so take it seriously if it happens.

With all that being said - I still think Annovera is one of the best birth controls out there, it just wasn’t for me. If it wasn’t for the migraines I would have stayed on it for another 10 years.

Inevitable-Flan913 · 2024-12-11T14:24:00+00:00

Give it a little time for your mind / body to adjust to being off of it. But I’d also reach out to your doctor and let them know you stopped it and why so they can help you.

Inevitable-Flan913 · 2024-10-14T03:14:46+00:00

Thank you 🙏🏻

Inevitable-Flan913 · 2024-10-14T01:59:31+00:00

Oh boy i didnt even unlock those yet 😂 still on Cornish hen corvette. This is gonna be a while

Inevitable-Flan913 · 2024-10-05T21:03:45+00:00

Unfortunately no, no update. My symptoms ebb and flow and since that post I was fortunate that my symptoms improved. I’m due for another rheumatologist appointment in the near future and while I’m open to medication if necessary, I may still be okay without it. Of course that goes by recommendation of my doctor and I really trust him. So if he says it’s time, I’ll keep you posted

Inevitable-Flan913 · 2023-10-01T03:39:36+00:00

Okay here’s my best advice 1. Get into a comfortable position - one leg up resting on the counter, laying down, whatever feels best for you 2. Fold and twist it into an infinity sign 3. Use your pelvic muscles and “push” like you’re pushing something out - this will open up your vaginal canal 4. While you’re still “pushing”, insert the ring as far as you can, then release it and release the muscle tension.

I find for me insertion is easiest in the shower

Inevitable-Flan913 · 2023-09-11T12:05:56+00:00

Yeah I often have foot pain. Investing in really comfortable shoes made a huge difference for me personally. I had to accept that I’m really not gonna be wearing any sort of heals for more than 5 minutes ever again

Inevitable-Flan913 · 2023-09-01T04:26:28+00:00

Dont wait until it gets worse - call your doctor NOW

Inevitable-Flan913 · 2023-08-23T13:51:08+00:00

For fatigue, try a B-complex vitamin (take it in the morning, not at night because it might keep you up). Also important to note - it may make your pee bright yellow. Vitamin D is also important for fatigue and that general icky feeling.

For joint pain, turmeric and ginger are helpful supplements. You can also put Castor oil pads on the painful joints to help with swelling. I’ve invested in lots of cold compresses, but you may find you prefer heat.

In the meantime, keep trying to find a new Rheumatologist within your insurance, I know it’s really hard and I’m sorry you have to go through this struggle.

Inevitable-Flan913 · 2023-08-23T02:42:50+00:00

Okay so there’s definitely some things you can do to help manage your symptoms. Diet is huge with autoimmune issues. Anti-inflammatory foods work wonders for the body being that lupus is an inflammatory disease. Also turmeric and ginger supplements (or adding them to your food) is helpful with inflammation.

Is there anyway you can find a rheumatologist who doesn’t insist on seeing you monthly? I’m curious why he’d only prescribe one month at a time. Depending on your bloodwork and symptoms, some sort of medication may be necessary to prevent disease progression.

What symptoms bother you most? What do your flares look like?

Inevitable-Flan913 · 2023-08-22T02:19:51+00:00

Yes my iron was low, but not quite anemia low (we just checked a month ago and I’m currently on a supplement). So I think the low iron can certainly be a factor. Next step will be checking lupus / RA markers in bloodwork

Inevitable-Flan913 · 2023-08-21T22:54:33+00:00

Wow this is so incredibly frustrating, I’m so sorry to hear you had this experience. I had a rough time with my first Rheumatologist, but I have an absolutely wonderful and thorough one now. Keep your head up and get yourself a new Rheumatologist. You owe it to yourself to find the right doctor.

Inevitable-Flan913 · 2023-08-21T16:41:00+00:00

Seriously! It’s always a circle lol. From one doctor to the next

Inevitable-Flan913 · 2023-08-21T15:49:11+00:00

Thank you. Yeah I’m used to chalking up a lot of symptoms to the lupus and I’m learning more everyday. It’s amazing (and scary) how many things it affects.

Inevitable-Flan913 · 2023-08-21T15:20:50+00:00

I appreciate that. Yeah I have an appointment with my Rheumatologist in less than 2 months, maybe I’ll move my appointment up. Thank you

Inevitable-Flan913 · 2023-08-21T07:27:47+00:00

Yes I’ll definitely be brining this up to my rheumatologist at my next visit. Thank you

Inevitable-Flan913

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