My left groin lymph node swells every week before my period.. help!

**liz-e** · 07-04-2011 10:31 PM

So, for the last three months (while on birth control), my left groin lymph node has swollen up the week before or during my period. This never happened before I got on birth control. Coincidentally, all three times this has happened, I've had a cold or a cough, and an ingrown/infected hair on/around my bikini area. Right now I have a cough.

I just want to know what's going on, or at least get an idea. I'm on Lo-Ostrogel, and the only problem I've had with it is some weight gain. Also, on a side note, what is the likelihood of me becoming infertile because of birth control? I've heard of this happening to some women and really don't want it to happen to me because I do want to have kids someday, just not now.

Thanks!

**liz-e** · 07-04-2011 10:39 PM

Lo-Ogestrel is the birth control I'm on. My bad, I got the name spelling confused.

**ItsASecret** · 07-05-2011 07:38 AM

Lymph nodes are literally swollen 100% of the time, we just do not always notice it. Lymph nodes deal with the immune system, if you have an infection it will swell. If you have a cold it will swell. If you have the flu it will swell. Nodes also swell when you are under stress, a cold is a stress on the body so it will be swelling not only due to the infection itself but from the stress you experience (like lack of sleep, dizziness etc). Having normal day to day emotional stress can also make a node swell up. Anything that puts a damper on your body will cause your nodes to swell and why the doctor will say everything is normal if you notice a lymph node swell up....especially if you currently have a cold.

Birth control greatly reduces the chance of becoming pregnant, it is NOT made to destroy your chances of getting pregnant. IT IS NOT made to cause more health problems. ALL pills have possible side effects, they will be listed on the box, in the pamphlets, on the printed paper you got from the pharmacy when you pick up the prescription and also mentioned by some doctors. Birth control pills will not directly cause you to have a swollen lymph node, that is not their job, that is not what they are made to do. If you experience an unwanted side effect like weight gain then switch brands as there are many different types.