New to Ortho Tri Lo - Question

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-02-2004
New to Ortho Tri Lo - Question
4
Tue, 07-06-2004 - 1:35pm
Hi all. I'm one of the new people who have been lurking around the board for a while, gleaning a lot of useful information. Now it's time for a question.

I'm in my third week of Ortho Tri Lo. I started taking the pills slighly late (my period began on a Saturday, but because of a late perscription I didn't start my pills until a week later on Sunday). Right now I'm in the begining of my third week, and I'm bleeding at what would be a normal time, were I not on a bcp. Shouldn't my period not be starting until next week when I'm on the green pills? Am I just confused?

I'm just a bit new to this all, and don't know what my body 'should' be doing. Much thanks with anyone with feedback.


Emily

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 07-06-2004 - 4:49pm
Hi Emily, welcome!

It’s not unusual to have irregular bleeding during the first 3 or so cycles on a pill, especially if you are totally new to hormonal contraceptives. Eventually, if OTC-Lo is right for you, you should get your period during your placebo pills. Right now your body is adjusting to the hormones in your pills. Give yourself another few cycles to see how you do, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-02-2004
Wed, 07-07-2004 - 12:41am
One other question about adjusting to the pill. Just because my cycle seems to be slightly off (or not yet adjusted to the bcp), this doesn't mean that the pills are ineffective as contraceptivces, correct? I've been doing fine taking my pills in the morning and haven't missed any (yet).


Thanks again for your help!

Emily

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 07-07-2004 - 8:11am
Hi Emily,

Endometrium control and ovulation suppression are two separate functions of hormonal contraceptives. So, as long as you have been taking your pills correctly then even though AF isn't arriving where you want her quite yet you should be protected. I think you should be just fine!

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 07-07-2004 - 9:22am
If you are having a period now, particularly because you started your active pills a week after your last period started, it is possible that you ovulated in that first week of active pills. So long as you were using backup that first week like you're supposed to (and because you're having your period now), you shouldn't have anything to worry about. From here on out, ovulation should remain suppressed unless you miss pills. It's also possible that it's just the adjustment to the pill, too, but everything might be all the way it's supposed to be next month!

Good luck, I'm glad you like it here!

Judie

Judie Cl for Birth Control