Scarleteen

I started birth control because I’m in a long-term relationship and sexually active. I tried Larin FE but had bad nausea, headaches, and fatigue. I switched to Loryna and still can’t tolerate it. I told my mom I wanted birth control for PMS because I wasn’t comfortable telling her I’m sexually active. I’m trying to get an IUD, but I’m scared of hormonal ones because of side effects. I’m not sure how to tell her I’m sexually active, especially if I choose a copper IUD since it’s non hormonal.

Hi there, Addyleigh--welcome to the boards!

I'm sorry to hear that you've had these bad side effects from taking birth control. Though we can't give you specific medical advice, we can help you think about what your options could be here, so you can go over them with your doctor.

To begin, could you tell us how long you've taken these medications? Have you had the same side effects on Loryna that you had on Larin FE?

My first thought is that Larin FE and Loryna both seem to be combined oral contraceptives... Some people who have difficulties with birth control constraining estrogen benefit from methods without it. Copper-T, as you mentioned, might work since it is non-hormonal, but you could also explore progestin-only methods. Your options for that would include the minipill, the implant, and the Depo-Provera shot. If that is something you would be interested in, we have more information on this page Birth Control Bingo: Hormonal Methods Without Estrogen
And of course, we would be happy to answer any questions.

When it comes to how you should talk to your mother about being sexually active... Having a sense of what her position is likely to be might make it easier to figure out how you should share this information with her. Do you know what your mother would think about you being sexually active? Have you ever had the chance to hear her opinions about sex and relationships?