Birthcontrol

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:28:25 GMT

I was on the Depo shot for 6 months and had really awful side effects on it, so I decided to go off of it. My last shot was in February, so technically it should have been out of my system about two months ago. However, I still have not gotten a period at all. Sometimes I randomly spot, but it is moreso just light brown colored discharge than it is spotting. How long typically does it take to get a period again? Is Depo out of my system now or does it take much longer? Also, with me not getting my period, is it safe to go back onto the pill?

sill question I know

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 19:02:40 GMT

I'm on the latter part of week 2 in my pill pack. I am on Yasmin. I never miss a pill. I normally take the pill at 9am sharp...today I ended up taking it at 2pm. Is this a large enough difference that I'm in trouble. Just wondering what opinions you guys have

Switching to generic?

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:12:23 GMT

I'm on OTC-lo and I have no insurance and it's super expensive to keep buying it monthly. I was thinking about switching to a generic, cause I figure it would be cheaper. But how do I go about that?

I got a years worth of OTC-lo prescriptions thanks to Family Planning. Should I go to them for a different prescription? If so, should I wait until this year's prescription runs out? Should I talk to my pharmacist?

I'm a little clueless about all this.

Thanks in advance.

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:16:51 GMT

SO, I am due to have my period on my wedding day. I am on the nuvaring.
Do you think it'd be more effective to work for sure if I do
12 weeks in/1 out, from now until then,
or
To just keep it in for 4 weeks at the time of the event? I want to do what will most likley allow me to have NO bleeding.
Opinions/suggestions would be greatly appreciated :)

levora

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 21:42:11 GMT

my doctor recently put me on levora. i was ok the first week except for feeling a bit weak and dehydrated. im now at the end of the first pack and i am completely miserable! i cry myself to sleep at night for no reason. sometimes i wake up at 5am and want to eat weird things like cake or sasauge. i also hurt the people around me with my terrible mood swings. everytime i feel vunerable or scared and someone tries to help my feelings just come out in anger. am i supposed to feel this way? should i ask for another form of birth control? please help!

period in the woods

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:58:41 GMT

So, I'm going on a 10 day canoe trip. Leaving on Thursday the 31st. (I'm on Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo) I'm going to be in the woods, and it's going to be insanely inconvenient to have my period, which according to my pack (I'm still getting used to this whole idea, I only started taking this a couple months ago), my sugar pills will be starting this Tuesday the 29th. It has been working out that I usually get my period about 2 days after I start taking the green sugar pills, and it usually lasts 4-5 days. I know I sound like an idiot, but is there anything I can possibly do now to manipulate this at all? Can I start taking my first sugar pill today or tomorrow and skip the rest of the active pills so I start my period sooner and finish earlier? If that wouldn't be ok, is there anything else I can do? Could I start another pack and skip the sugar pills just for the canoe trip and start taking them as soon as I come home on 8/9?

Just trying to figure out any way to avoid the P on this trip as I'll be squatting in the woods and "leaving no trace" (probably tmi, but I'll be with a bunch of guys and would have to either pack out my used tampons (I use OB so don't even have any applicator to put them back in) or discreetly toss them into the fire, which won't always be possible. UGH.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

plan B making my period late?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:48:45 GMT

ok so im not freaking out just yet but here is the story...this month i didn't miss any pills and took them all on time. this week (20th-26th) is my off week and i should have gotten my period on Wednesday the 23rd. but did not.

On sunday the 20th i had sex. no condom and he did not finish inside of me. the next day (Monday) i took plan B. why? i dont know. the pharmacist lady told me that the pill could effect my period and it did.

so its Thursday and still no period. will i get a period before Sunday? because that's when i start another pack. or should i wait till next sunday (august 2nd) to restart my pills to make sure i get my period?

could i be pregnant?

thanks!

sorry this is so long... don't know how to do a cut

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:44:52 GMT

I have two questions about the effectiveness of my birth control. I read the memories for the most part but weeding through clinical studies just isn't working for me. plus i don't get any of the abbreviations used on this community. i guess i must be distracted lol. i don't have periods (no placebos). i use the pill for no periods/ skin/ my only method of birth control. i take yasmin. idn what difference this makes but i lost my virginity last october and have sex regularly with the same partner.

first of all, i have an alarm on my cell phone to take my pill at 8pm every night. i'm usually within an hour of that, but sometimes i'm careless and will take it up to three hours late. that's like the ultimate limit though, and it's very rare. usually it's between 8 and 9:30 i would guess. should i be taking it closer to my normal time? i want to be a perfect user just to be absolutely sure i'm getting the maximum protection.

secondly, i am overweight and i've read that that can affect the effectiveness of some (all?) pills. i'm about to turn 17, and i'm "technically obese" if you just go by the BMI charts. however, i have a very large frame, and supposedly according to my doctor i have lots of big bones lol. i've also been doing hardcore dancing since i was 6 and have tonnnns of muscle mass, so when i say i weigh 185lbs (5'5") just take into account it's not the normal amount of fat that's associated with how much i weigh. i'm also super super active and work out every day, running, lifting weights, bicycling, varsity swimming, etc. i'm almost positive my actual bmi (as taken by a personal trainer) is within "overweight" standards. besides being overweight, i'm in 100% perfect health. blood pressure 117/79 cholesterol way below normal all that. so i'm not at the point where my weight affects anything besides my appearance (my stamina is better than all my active friends). i'm also in the process of losing weight. am i at the point where my protection is compromised by my weight? i don't know at what point i should be worried. i was also thinking maybe because i'm not just a little fat pillow, the muscle doesn't absorb the pill, so the affect of my weight isn't as great?

i don't know if this matters for anything, but just a little health background: the only complication i have is a possible thyroid problem which i'm being put through the paces to test. i also have stomach issues, but i always have... since i was like 4. there's a possibility of stomach ulcers but it's so not likely. i'm lactose intolerant too.

advice on either matter would be greatly appreciated :)

Refrigeration?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 01:54:39 GMT

My apartment is 85 degrees F during the day--is that okay for my pills (Jolessa)? The pack says 68-77F. If not, can I keep them in the refrigerator?

Yaz and start day

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:17:20 GMT

I'm on Yaz and realized that I'm to start taking my placebos next Wednesday. As of Sunday, I'll have three more active pills to take. I was wondering, could I skip one of those active pills and start my placebos earlier, and still be protected? Since doesn't Yaz have three active pills that week in order to make periods shorter, unlike other pills that follow the 21/7 pattern?

I'm asking because if I did that, that would move my start day for a new pack up rather than having it being on Sunday. Also, I would like for my period to be done before the weekend (it usually finishes the day I start a new pack).

Thanks for you answer in advance!

Just wanted to double check..

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:48:04 GMT

Hi, I just used the drug interaction checker on the page, but I just wanted to make sure everything is good to go. I just got home from the doctor and possibly have a UTI (it didn't show up for sure on the test, but since I have a history of UTI's he gave me a perscription anyway..)

He gave me a perscription for Bactrim DS and I am on Jolessa. When I checked the interaction it came up as "no interactions". The reason I wanted to double check is that usually you hear all about antibiotics interacting with birth control. It doesn't say anything on the Bactrim bottle either, the only thing that mentions pregnancy is "talk to a doctor if you plan to get pregnant while on this medication".

Thanks a lot, as always.

new pill questions

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:57:11 GMT

So basically, im looking for a second opinion here.

I went to refill my birth control this afternoon, and my new health clinic does not carry yasmin. They switched me to ortho-cyclen.

my new nurse said that because there was no break during my pill cycle, I dont need to use condoms for the next 7 days, even though I just switched birth control. I can do that right? or should I use the back up?

I am also on day 5 of my placebos. I am usually a friday starter. She decided to make me a sunday starter instead of a friday starter, and tossed my first sunday and monday pill into the trash and told me to start taking my new pills today, instead of waiting until friday. I am sort of irritated that she did that without asking me. So, starting a new pack during my placbo week a good or bad idea?

Sorry if any of that was confusing.

nuvaring newbie and now a missed period

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:06:14 GMT

i got my first nuvaring on june 26th, i had gotten my period about three weeks before that and my doctor's instructions were:
insert nuvaring immediately
keep it in for 3 weeks
remove for 5-6 days - you should get your period during this time

i'm just confused. does this mean i won't get a period while the ring is in? because i SHOULD have gotten a period at the beginning of this month, but i have not yet gotten a period. should i be expecting it?
sorry if this has been answered, i read the memories and i didn't really find much on this

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:28:55 GMT

Okay so,

I'm on Loestrin 24Fe in my second month. I have been sick for 2 days or so, throwing up but well after taking my pill. Today I started to bleed considerably. I went to a doctor who told me I have a throat infection. I got antibiotics for it, and there is an interaction between my HBC and the antibiotics. So my question is this: it's advised to use a backup method for the full course of antibiotics plus 7 active pills later, correct? If the course of this medicine is 10 days, 10 + 7 = 17 days of backup? Pregnancy really isn't an option for me right now so I just want to double and triple check to be sure!

Thank you :)

Chipped Pill

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 06:34:07 GMT

I checked the memories and the previous posts only dealt with crushed pills, SO:

The other day I noticed my pill was slightly chipped. It seemed like just the coating, but I'd like to be sure I am protected. Because the chip was so small, will the pill still be completely effective or do I need other means of protection?

Thankee thankee

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 06:27:10 GMT

i am on my third pill of placeboes for the week and i haven't gotten my period yet . i was wondering if i could just start a new pack or start a new pack backwards which one would be better? and could i even do that is it safe ?
TIA

A little paranoid.

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:50:45 GMT

So I have been taking birth control non stop for the past three months in order to try and stop getting my period. I have spotting here and there. Nothing too bad. Have had no sex for those three months. Last night my boyfriend and I had sex for the first time in those 3 months. I have 2 more active pills before I go onto my next new pack. (skipping the non active pills) Here's my question: If I do not start a new pack in 2 days do I have a chance of becoming pregnaunt? (I was planning on doing so to have my period, trying to every 3 months) Should I start taking the new pack in two days just to be extra safe? Do I need to be worried?

Switching BCP Brands and Pregnancy

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:42:46 GMT

So I switched from Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo to Levora (I have NEVER missed and pill and the latest I have ever taken a pill is 20 minutes but always take at SAME time everyday - 5pm on the dot) AND usually my boyfriend and I always use back-up protection, either condoms or vaginal spermicide but there was one time (a month and a half after switching) where we did not use back-up and it has me pretty rattled because 1) there was an increased amount of vaginal fluid/secretion during those that month which I know is a sign of ovulation and 2) I have been experiencing sore breasts and some nausea which I know are signs of pregnancy. I am starting my placebos tomorrow and am just really stressed out and was wondering what my chances of pregnancy are. My doctor said to be safe, use backup for a month after switching brands since OrthoTriLo is a triphasic and Levora is a higher dose and monophasic so I made sure to do that but I'm still nervous. Just wanted some advice.

when?

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 22:42:02 GMT

Hello lovely ladies I have a quick question, won't take but a minute.

Okay I'm normally a Sunday starter (starting the new pack that Sunday after my period) but as of late, i've been having some financial issues so I've had problems getting my refills on schedule, so I normally have to go a week after my period before starting a new pack which I start on Sunday. (I'm a being too confusing?)

This month, I didn't want to wait until today to start them, so I started the pack on this past Wednesday (the 16th). It was the week after I had my period. My question is, am I still going to be protected this month? My SO and I are using condoms for the week, because I thought that I will need backup protection for seven days. Am I correct?

I'm sorry if this is all confusing, or if I shouldn't have posted. I checked the tags for this, but I thought my question was very specific. So thanks in advanced for any advice. Thanks.

Non-latex Condoms.

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 11:02:16 GMT

I'm cross posting this question to sextips, as it kind of applies to both.

I'm allergic to latex and I'm pretty happy using a combination of polyurethane condoms (Durex Avanti usually) and the Nuva Ring, however I have become a little frustrated at the lack of fancy condom options that are latex free. There are all of these fancy kinds of condoms out there that are "ribbed for her pleasure," or beaded, or glow in the dark, or have a bulb around the tip to enhance "his" stimulation. I find myself really wanting to try something like that out, but the only non-latex condoms I can find are plain and regular (albeit thinner and more sensitive than latex ones).

Are there any specialty/fancy condoms out there that are latex-free?

Sun, 20 Jul 2008 08:57:12 GMT

Hey everyone, I have a question about when exactly I can start taking my first pack of pills. I've read through the tags but am a bit confused because of two different suggestions that were given to me the other day.

I went to Planned Parenthood for the first time yesterday and after a veeery long wait (3+ hours) was finally able to talk to one of the doctors and was given Ortho Tri-Cyclen -- 13 packs for free along with about a dozen free condoms. :) I was very happy about that because I've heard stories about how some places charge more if you're over 18 (I'm 18) and the fact that I wasn't charged at all was a nice relief.

Anyway, to get to the point, the start of my last period was on July 2. The first doctor I spoke to who gave me some background on the pill told me I should start taking it this Sunday. However, when I was actually handed the pills, the second doctor told me I should take the first pill on the Sunday of my next period. Which can I do? Are both suggestions ok? I'd like to start taking them as soon as possible since I know there is a seven day period where it's not effective, but is it advisable to wait until my next period?

Thanks!

ETA: Also, the first doctor seemed pretty adamant about the fact that having the guy finish inside of the girl without a condom will lead to a yeast infection, to the point where she was basically telling me to not have sex without a condom unless I wanted a yeast infection. I'm assuming this isn't true, though, since obviously a lot of girls use HBC as their only form of protection. What's the deal?

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:39:07 GMT

can someone please explain the whole deal with temperature and birth control pills?
I take a mini pill, so in order to take my pill on the minute, I must keep it with me at all times because my schedule is not consistent. I am not comfortable leaving my pack at home due to my schedule variations.
Sometimes I go to the pool (My bag is always in the shade, not direct sunlight) and sometimes I am out walking around or whatever. The temp has been 90 or above for the past day or so. (I am in PA)
Basically, I have to have my pills with me at all times, and sometimes I can't avoid being outside in the heat, although I am never out more than a few hours at a time. I'm thinking it's okay but I like to be sure.

It's back.

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:37:29 GMT

Hey everyone. I was hoping that you guys could give me some input because I am very upset. I took OTC-Lo for about 8 months. Then I had breakthrough bleeding (this brown blood) a week before my period. So my doctor switched me over to regular OTC. The problem happened for another month, and then it straightened itself out. I have been BTB-free for about 2 months, and then lo and behold, it is back today. A week before my real period. I thought this was done with and I am so upset. But I think there is a culprit. I KNOW IT'S BAD, but I have been smoking while on the pill. About 5-7 cigs a day up until about 1 month ago. I now smoke about 1 pack in 24 hours. Alot, I know. Anyways, do you girls think that this is to blame? I know that smoking breaks down estrogen, and now I am smoking more and my bleeding is back. I am pretty mad about this. Any input would be appreciated. THANK YOU!!!!!

new to bc

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:30:05 GMT

I'm 19 years old and I want to start taking birth control, but here's my problem.
I can't really have my parents find out, for many reasons... and if I get a prescription from my doctor, I'll have to use their insurance to get the pills and they'll obviously find out.
I was thinking of going to planned parenthood, but I was wondering what the process is of getting bc. will i need to get an exam by them in order to get birth control?? because I would rather just have exams from my own doctor and i dont want to have to pay extra for an exam which i'm already getting. also, I am headed back to college in the fall so I was hoping to get a few months worth....is that possible??
also, i really want to go on Yaz...are you allowed to pick out which birth control they give you? and will it be at a reduced price since I'm pretty much dependent on my parents income now??

thanks in advance

H.E.L.P

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 18:32:40 GMT

Ok..this is really bugging me to the point that i can't sleep.

I've been taking Gynera for almost 4 years now and i'm currently on my 12th pill of my 21-pill pack.
The problem is that last night i took my pill around 12midnight instead of 10 cos i forgot and today i had sex at around 7 in the evening and then took my pill again at around 12ish( i know i'm bad at keeping time) but i had loose stools/diarrhea(must be the watermelon!!) at around 1.50am so i'm questioning the effectiveness of the pill i took and am kinda freaking out cos i read that there's a 2 hour period for absorption which i did not fulfil..
So am i at risk of pregnancy? O_O

Also, should i just start taking my pill at 12 now or back to the original 10pm slot?
Your replies will be very much appreciated.