New here. BCP ? and need some help!

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-18-2004
New here. BCP ? and need some help!
1
Sun, 03-07-2004 - 10:23am
My last period started on 2/28. However, it was the *worst* ever with severe cramps. I have a 6 year old daughter and honestly, the cramps were similar to hard labor. I had someone take me to the ER. I honestly thought something was terribly wrong. I'd never been in that pain before aside from having had my daughter.

On 3/3 I followed up with my gyn. I explained that the pain was severe, not bleeding heavily like I usually do, cramping began days prior to starting and 14 days from 2/28 once again I'd be doubled over in pain from ovulation. I'm 33 years old and my cycles are regular but the cramps are getting worse, I'm getting more ovarian cysts and ovulation pain. I simply can't deal with it anymore.

She said everything seemed to be ok, her exam, ultrasound, etc. She gave me a years worth of BCP's to take because she thinks it may help the pain and stop the ovulation pain, lesson the cramps I'm getting.

When I was 18 I started OrthoNovum 777/28 and took them for years, did fine. I went off the pill in order to have my daughter and I just never went back on them. I began to get migraine headaches and I didn't want to go back on BCP's because I had heard horror stories of BCP's causing migraines to get worse.

My doctor gave me Cyclessa to take. She said it's similar to our own hormones and it shouldn't cause any problems and she said I can start them tonight. Even though I'd be a week late starting them. I thought you should start BCP's if it's a sunday start, the sunday after your period begins even if it's a sunday anyways. So I'm kinda confused there.

But that's what she said. Start them tonight. I know that's gonna throw everything off. I plan on taking it at bedtime. I'm a little anxious about any side effects but I really don't want another period like the one I just had.

It's just been so long since I've been on BCP's!! I'm not sure what to expect and definately not sure what to expect starting a pack a week late.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks so much!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 03-07-2004 - 1:18pm
Hi preemiemama, welcome!

You ‘can’ start any time but adding your pills hormones on top of your natural ones may make you feel a bit uncomfortable. Also, beginning 9 days into your cycle may not prevent ovulation this cycle and if that is the case you will get your period regardless of where you are in your pack. Still, to try to prevent another nightmare period it’s certainly worth trying. Starting your pills late in your cycle I think you should use back-up for the rest of your cycle, just in case you do ovulate and for reassurance if AF is off her usual schedule. Post and let us know how you’re doing, ok?

Good luck

      Jill