Do I need to see a doctor first?
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Do I need to see a doctor first?
| Wed, 06-02-2004 - 9:29pm |
First off, this board is amazing and full of such great advice/answers! I love it and have recomended it to my girlfriends who always have questions.
Now to my problem... I went off my Ortho Tri Cyclen for about 3 months b/c I couldn't afford them. I then didn't get a period for 62 days (i got it today -thank goodness). I'd like to start my pills up again but I'm not sure if I need to see a doctor first? I'd like to avoid it if its possible but I don't want to mess my system up anymore than I already have...
Anyone have any ideas?
Thanks.
d.

Are you currently under a doctor's care and/or on meds. that might interact with your pills? If the answer is no and you have a valid prescription for your pills I think it would be OK to start back on your OCs again. It will be like starting all over again with possible side effects and the usual cautions about first day vs. Sunday start and use of back-up etc. In case you have forgotten:
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.
Thanks for the kind words about the board! We have a good group of members and we do try to be as helpful as possible.
Good luck
Jill