Should I worry?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2002
Should I worry?
3
Tue, 03-09-2004 - 12:54am
I have been taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen for almost two years now. Even so, until about two months ago, my bf and I always used condoms as well. We stopped using them because he was having problems maintaining erections. We instead bought spermicide to use. The thing is, is that that stuff has to be inserted 15 mins. before intercourse, and more often than not, we'd be in bed together and start fooling around before using the spermicide. So, I wonder: are pills going to be sufficient? Could my weight be a problem, which I read somewhere? SHOULD I worry?

Express! (And hi to blueberriesrtasty!)

Beth "Petrouchka"

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-23-2002
Tue, 03-09-2004 - 1:59pm
Hi Beth,

I think if you have been taking your BC on time regularly, you should be fine without any other backup. I've been on BC since last Sept, and at first used condoms, but then have stopped, and it's been going great. We did have few scares at first, because I was adjusting to the pills and jumped to conclusion pretty fast. Good luck, I'm sure other ladies here have a good advice. I'm not sure about the weight thingy, but I think you'll be fine, unless you miss a dose or something like that.

J.


Edited 3/9/2004 2:00:30 PM ET by after_leptirica

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 03-09-2004 - 2:01pm
Hi Beth, welcome!

The only weight related caution I remember seeing in prescribing info. concerning contraceptive effectiveness and weight is with the patch, but there may be others. If I remember correctly the effectiveness drops for women over 198 lbs. who use the patch. I think there was a report about secondary findings suggesting weight slightly impaired the effectiveness of oral contraceptives from an otherwise unrelated study, but that study hadn’t been structured to specifically look at effectiveness levels. ‘Sufficient” can be a relative term. Most OCs, if used correctly are 98-99% effective. For some women that isn’t reliable enough and they use an additional method as well just as you have been doing. I think, if you are concerned that your weight might compromise the effectiveness of your pills a talk with your doctor would be a good idea to get his or her opinion.

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-03-2004
Tue, 03-09-2004 - 8:03pm
Hi Beth,

I don't have any advice for you (sadly), but I still wanted to say hi!! Also, hi's to J. as well! :-). Nice to see you two on this board as well!

- KeLLy :-)

Beach Siggy