Another question from "Like A Virgin"

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-26-2004
Another question from "Like A Virgin"
2
Mon, 05-24-2004 - 8:50pm

Hello there,


I have another question concerning birth control from the 'Like A Virgin' messageboard and was hoping that you could help out sugarbuns with some advice... thanks!


Spanish Lace (cl- of Like a Virgin)


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discussion title:

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 05-25-2004 - 3:28am
Hi Sugar, welcome to the Birth Control Board!

As long as you are using your patch correctly then you should be protected during your patch free week regardless of whether you are bleeding or not. You should read and keep the patient information leaflet that comes with your patches where you can refer to it if needed. There is a lot of good information in it that you will need if a patch becomes loose or comes off or you have other problems. There are some things you need to be careful of while on the patch, just like if you were on the pill. Here is what this board recommends for pill, patch and ring users.

This board considers taking combined oral contraceptives correctly to mean taking them on time (within +/-2 hrs. of your normal pill-time) and using back-up if you forget a pill or are sick and vomit or have diarrhea within 2 hours after taking your pill (considered a missed pill) and if you are taking medicines or supplements that could reduce the effectiveness of your pills. If you forget a pill or have been sick you should use back-up for at least 7 days afterward. If you are taking medicines or supplements then you should use back-up while taking them and for at least 7 days after taking the last dose. And, if you think you might have trouble remembering your pill-time you can set the alarm on a clock or watch or set a reminder message on your cell phone or computer to help remind you. Some things to remember when taking oral contraceptives:

• Combined oral contraceptives have a 4 hour window, progestin-only pills have a 1/2-1 hour window for on-time

• Medicines are typically antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants and some other prescription drugs, if in doubt, check with the pharmacist. Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers or allergy medications do not change the effectiveness of the pill.

• Supplements may cause changes in the metabolism of the hormones without your knowledge. St. John's Wort has been known to cause pill failure, but because supplements are not regulated by the FDA, there is no systematic testing to determine which will compromise the effectiveness of the pill.

• You can also set your pill time at the same time as another activity that you do every day, whether it's brushing your teeth, watching a particular TV show, having breakfast...

• The patch and the ring have the same requirements as far as use of medications, though timing isn't an issue, nor is diarrhea or vomiting.

The pill, when taken consistently and correctly, is 99% effective. Anything that deviates from perfect use will reduce the effectiveness by an undetermined amount. The most important step you can take to make sure the pill is as effective as it can be is to take it at the same time every day.

Does this help? If you have other questions please ask.

Good luck

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-18-2004
Tue, 05-25-2004 - 3:46pm
Hey!.. Thanks for helping me out. I appreciate it!