Not Using Condoms

[xmrth]

That does make sense, yes. I suppose it kind of falls into again, not knowing the person's -entire- situation and where they're coming from, like maybe they're holding back some details as to why it failed them.

 

hmmm so if I take the pill any Sunday, or just the Sunday after my period has ended, I will need to wait the whole month until after my next period for it to be effective? Does whatever comes with the pills say for sure just in case? Because mine was ending on a Saturday, but because of the insurance, I'm waiting on it through the mail so my Dr was telling me expecting I'd get them the day of the appointment. I'm just curious how long I should expect to wait and things like that.

 

Thanks!

[orgasmictofu]

hmmm so if I take the pill any Sunday, or just the Sunday after my period has ended, I will need to wait the whole month until after my next period for it to be effective? Does whatever comes with the pills say for sure just in case? Because mine was ending on a Saturday, but because of the insurance, I'm waiting on it through the mail so my Dr was telling me expecting I'd get them the day of the appointment. I'm just curious how long I should expect to wait and things like that.

 

Thanks!

 

If you do want to take the first one on sunday, take it THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE START OF YOUR PERIOD. Not the last one before, not someplace in the middle. Doing it ASAP after the start of your period will be as "natural" to your cycle as possible and your body won't take so long to get settled into the rhythm of the hormones. Of course, talk to your doctor. My understanding of it based on what my doc told me and the literature of the patch im on is that if the first one is put on within 24 hours of the start of your period, it's effective just about right away. If it's not, you need to use a backup for at least a week or two (best bet is the rest of your cycle). If it eases your mind, use a backup for a cycle or two.

 

It does take a bit of patience before your body is ready to have sex without a condom after starting the pill. But the way I see it, I've gone this long with condomed sex, I can sacrifice a couple months of playing with my patch for condom-free sex.

 

If it's too late to start the package of pills by the time you get them, just wait till next month. No big deal. Well, except maybe for your bf's pestering. Trust me, mine is

 

 

Just in case there is any confusion, the "start of your period" is the beginning of the bleeding (to put it bluntly). So if you start bleeding on saturday the 5th, that is the start of your period.

[xmrth]

Does anyone here who's commented that is on BC, do you ever have a fear you'll still get pregnant?

 

I'm doing some research... and have asked my therapist about it as well and she explained things to be about it, and also my Dr, but that was much more brief, and it seems like there's no way, but then people still are.

I guess I'm afraid of it not working all on it's own. I wonder if its all got something to do with how the person takes it? Maybe they were sick and lost it, or maybe they didn't realize they forgot to take it, or something?

 

But then some women still ovulate... and I read somewhere: "Progestin" something in the pill, "also prevents the uterus's lining from developing normally; so, if an egg were fertilized, implantation is unlikely."

 

I;'m still waiting for them in the mail (fun . . . because of insurance-- I just think it is weird to get things through the mail like this so I wanted to mention again) so I've still got these questions I suppose.

I'm most curious if anyone who's on BC fears still getting pregnant even though some people are still somehow getting pregnant . ..?

 

If I end up just doubling up with condom and BC pill, is it true I'll have light periods? I just think that's the best thing ever... ever.... so I'll use it for that if I don't for BC. Like at least it wont be for nothing, plus the other things. I always get them on the heavy side.

[RayKay]

If you fear getting pregnant, then use two forms. I am not really sure how many more times you want to hear that, but the truth is I cannot tell you "no you absolutely will not get pregnant no matter what" as that is not the case. Even in "perfect use" which does not happen outside the labratory there is a percentage of failure. Why? I imagine to do with body chemistry, and luck mostly.

 

Estrogen in the pill prevents ovulation, and progesterone makes it difficult for sperm to pass the cervix as well as for implantation to take place in the uterine wall. However, even that being said there is still a chance. I do know people who have gotten pregnant on the pill without any reason, they took it perfectly as could be and still it happened.

 

I don't fear getting pregnant just because I am comfortable with my relationship and what we would do if it happened, and we *could* handle it. Would rather wait a few more years but in case it did happen, we are ready. I have also been on pill many years and I know it works for me. But I am changing birth control soon and so do have a bit of a "what if" worry, but we'll double up for a couple months as I ease into the new birth control I want to use.

 

Yes the pill will make your periods more predictable/regular and usually lighter and shorter as well (not always, but usually).

[xmrth]

I'm sorry.. I'm sorry-- one more thing!

 

I'm still living with my parents and under their insurance, so of course my mother knows i'm going on the pill. I don't think she'd lie about this... but she was telling me her and I need to talk about it, (still giving it to me) but mentioned I THINK something about the kind I was prescribed not being good. BUT, something she did say was "I can't even begin to tell you how many people in the family have still gotten pregnant on birth control" and to be honest I haven't revealed that's WHY I'm going on it but I know she's going to assume which makes it easier, because we'll probably still talk about this..

 

But doesn't that mean I'd probably be one of the woman who still ovulates? I read on another forum some girl got pregnant, her mom, her mom's mom, etc. while on birth control.

 

Just wondering if it really makes a difference. After I finally accepted the statistics, she said this so... I am curious!

[the yang to the worlds yin]

double up? it increases the chance of breakage and tears. if anything, thats worse.

[RayKay]

double up? it increases the chance of breakage and tears. if anything, thats worse.

 

Yup, the friction of the two condoms increases the risk of breakage - very bad to do!

 

Though I believe mouse potato may have been referring to doubling up in reference to ADDING condoms to using the pill - so "doubling up" on protection (pill & condom), not on condoms.

[the yang to the worlds yin]

ah ok, sorry for the mix up. just didn't want any unplanned pregnancies here ; )

[xmrth]

So it just has to do with chance, not what can be inherited?

 

There are so many more side effects by using the pill listed on that site... I think I'm not going to take it, or maybe I will but just for a couple of months.. I actually just got it today, but now I don't know if it's worth it. It just seems like way too much for something I'll just always be afraid of...

 

I thought it was just these side effects that would go away in a month. My Dr never mentioned all that listed there, and though I've read it here and there and on commercials, never in detail and so many more things..

I don't know I just don't like making bad decisions... or potentially bad ones; I don't know.

 

It just seems like so much more than I originally thought I suppose. I will probably just think it over some more before taking them. Thanks so much for answering my questions.

[annie24]

Well, it's like any other medication, including aspirin. Some people have side effects, some don't. Many of the side effects listed were only experienced by a small number of people.

 

You do realize that you have a greater chance of getting pregnant by using condoms vs. using birth control pills, right?

[Hope75]

There are some pretty serious risks that come with taking the pill, an increased risk of blood clots and stroke, particularly if you smoke and are over 30, increased risk of breast cancer, but also there are benefits too, like a decreased risk of cervical cancer.

 

As Annie said, it's like that with any drug you take, there is a risk v. benefit and you have to decide if the benefit is worth the risk for you.

 

Personally I have been on the pill for 13 years and have not had a blood clot or stroke, no breast cancer, ( I don't smoke which helps), and I've never gotten pregnant.

 

You have to do the research, weigh the options, and decide what's best for YOU.

[xmrth]

Here I am-- back again. I've still got these pills and my period is coming any day now (which would mean, if it comes before Sunday, or on Sunday, I'd start taking them on Sunday?)

 

I'm still trying to make a decision on these, but maybe since I have these pills, I should consider taking them until I'm out of college. So, a year and a half.

 

Are those bad side effects (like cancer, etc.) only WHILE you're on the pill, or is it forever?

Because with breast cancer, isn't it every 1 in 9 women will get it, and cervical cancer is less likely than breast cancer?

Just curious.. I don't know the statistics but I think that was it.

 

So I'm thinking I'll take them until I'm out of college, maybe a little longer than that just for added protection and the other benefits.

 

I'll admit, I'm afraid of the weight gain though. I think I asked this already, but do you just gain weight because it makes you hungry, or does it make you gain weight and you have NO control over it? Sorry to ask that again; it's been many pages now and I think I just got responses that people didn't gain weight but not why the pill supposedly makes you.. and how and all that.

[RayKay]

Yes, you would start taking it on Sunday in that case.

 

There is a minimally higher risk of breast cancer for the average woman whom takes the pill. In one's lifetime, a woman's risk is 1 in 8/9...but that is after menopause. In pre-menopause it's more like 1 in 252, and before that, it's even lower.

 

Today's pills do have less hormones. If you took if for years and years or had a genetic risk (like I do) then your risk would be higher, but it won't be too significant if you do not have those added risks. I myself have a genetic risk so my risk is already more like 3-4 in 8, and I have taken pill for a long time, so I am going to stop and switch to something else pretty soon as for me the risk is just not something I want to add.

 

It does reduce your risk of ovarian cancer which is a benefit, though ovarian cancer is pretty rare too, and more present in those with breast cancer genes.

 

Cervical cancer is not very "rare", but it can be caught much earlier with regular pap's.

 

It can cause you to retain more water, or can change your appetite so you may eat more. Everyone's experience is different, but I did not experience any weight gain/water retention on it myself.

[annie24]

Once again, you have to weigh the pros and cons for yourself.

 

For instance, your risk of breast cancer is significantly lower if you have children while you are in your teen years. And not having any children will increase your risk of breast cancer. But, your chance of uterine cancer goes up if you have children.

 

So, pick your poison.

 

I think that the stress and anxiety you are experiencing, more than anything else, will increase your risk for getting sick.

[xmrth]

The kind I got are "Trivora"... and can't really find much info on them.

 

This is exactly what it looks like:

link removed

and here:

link removed

 

I guess I just want to know if anyone's actually heard of it or know anything about it because it seems like the info I got on pills and the names were not this. Just wondering if anyone's heard anything bad about these, too..

[rnorth]

Please if you are going to start unprotected sex, make sure that:

 

1. you know your partner and trust him

 

2. you go to planned parenthood where they can give you all the info you need on how birth control effects the female reproductive system. There are certain times of the month, sometime right before the period, where a woman is more likely to get pregnant. Typically and because nature is clever, this also happens to be the time most women are more horny.

 

Seriously, don't get saddled with a problem that could impact the rest of your life (pregnancy, std, etc....). Get informed!

 

Sorry for the public service announcement!!!

[xmrth]

Thanks for all the replies, it helped me make a decision and I'm starting the pill today.

 

I want to take it at 8:00pm but does anyone think that's too late or is a bad idea? If it doesn't matter then I'll take it then.

I'm up early for class, but on days off I can sleep ridiculously late because I like to stay up late. So I wouldn't want to sleep past the time I'd have to take the pill, or wake up to take it. And I'm never in bed by 8, ever.

 

Does anyone have to take their pill along with them when they're out?

Every now and again I'd probably have to... I wish I could do the thing where when I wake up I could take it when doing something like eating or brushing teeth but that's at all different hours.

 

I'm just curious...

 

oh and can the times you take it be "adjusted" if the time picked works out horribly?

Sorry for so many questions...

[jensxcom]

I've had alot of unprotected sex and never got pregnant. i just got lucky.

 

You should try the Today Sponge, they sell it at the drug store. its kinda like a diaphram- prevents pregnancy.

I dont care for borth control pills- too many side affects

[annie24]

martha - I think you should ask your doctor these questions. I think you will get better advice than from us here (most of whom are not trained medical professionals)

[xmrth]

From people who take the pill, I figure they're questions they'd most likely know. I'm still in pediatrics so my Dr is there only at certain hours and weekdays and it's a pain to get in touch with her just for questions I might find out on here from people who've been on it.

 

I know I can still call but I don't know... I hate calling there. I figure since I'm going to take it, I can just ask my questions of curiosity. I think my earlier questions I should have called but I'm satisfied with what I learned from here and looking things up. I can't find anything on adjusting the times to take it, or what time wouldn't be good and figure someone might know because they've been there and whatnot.

[annie24]

still in pediatrics? I think it may be better now to switch to a doctor that specializes in adult medicine. I think they may be more up to date on different kinds of birth control anyways.

[shes2smart]

From people who take the pill, I figure they're questions they'd most likely know.

 

Women who are taking the pill can tell you what they're doing, but that doesn't mean what they're doing is correct. I'd hazard a guess there's a good amound of "user error" which would account for turning up pregnant while on the pill.

 

I'm still in pediatrics

 

I agree with annie on this one. A pediatrician isn't going to be as up-to-date on birth control as a gynecologist...it's not their specialty. You're over 18...time to get yourself established with a gyno.

[Hope75]

If you are on the pill-- you definitely should have a gyno and should have had your first pelvic exam, especially if you have been having sex for as long a you have.

 

Women's reproductive health should begin to be monitered by at the latest 18, but earlier if the woman is sexually active, as I am presuming you were since you've been with your guy for 6 years now.

 

There's a lot of things that can go wrong when you are having sex, and annual checkups with a pelvic exam and a pap smear can keep you educated about your sexual health andm your options- and should something go wrong, early detection and treatment usually creates a more favorable outcome.

 

I know at least for myself, in order to stay on the pill- which I get from my gyno- I need to have a full exam with a pelvic and pap smear every year before I can renew my prescription.

 

Does your pediatrician do these for you? Even if so- you are 20 now so it's times, as the others have said, to get an adult doctor who speciailizes in women's reproductive health.

[jensxcom]

Do you get cancer from taking the pill?

 

I also read if you take the pill, as you get older, its harder for you to have a baby, is that true>?

[annie24]

Do you get cancer from taking the pill?

 

I also read if you take the pill, as you get older, its harder for you to have a baby, is that true>?

 

No, of course you can't get cancer from taking the pill. The FDA would never approve a drug that dramatically increased your chance of getting cancer.

 

Is taking the pill maybe linked to some cancers? It's possible. As I mentioned earlier, having children later in life can lead to an increased breast cancer risk (but lower uterine cancer risk). Since a woman taking the pill is less likely to get pregnant, then yes, as a result, she may wind up with a higher breast cancer risk, but a lower risk for other cancers.

 

I think to lower your cancer risks, it is important to eat healthy, maintain a proper weight, DON'T SMOKE!!!, exercise, and reduce stress levels. I think that all these factors (especially the smoking) weigh much more heavily on your cancer risk than your birth control pill usage.

 

(I'm a biochemist, working on my PhD. I'm not a doctor, not a cancer specialist, so take my advice with a grain of salt.)