New here...have question about pill....

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-25-2004
New here...have question about pill....
1
Thu, 08-26-2004 - 7:10pm
Hi,

Im Dina...Im new to the board and have a question about the pill. Here's the story. Last week Friday I had my annual exam, and received prescription for Ortho Tri Cyclen. I asked the doctor if I should wait til the Sunday after my period to start taking it, and she said no, that I could start right away. I usually have always started on a Sunday in the past, but thought...okay no problem. My period was due this week, but since I started the new pills this past Friday I assumed I wouldnt get it. Im not worried about being pregnant as I havent had sex since, but Im curious as to why Im spotting now. Should I be bleeding now even though I started the new pack last week? Should I have basically skipped this period? Im confused. One day since I started I took one pill late...I usually take them in the morning, but forgot til the evening, so I just took both. Do you think the bleeding will cease now that I have done that? Sorry I keep rambling....I have a "special weekend" planned with someone, and Im hoping my monthly friend wont tag along.

Any info would be great!

Thanks!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 08-26-2004 - 8:35pm
Hi Dina, welcome!

While you can begin hormonal contraceptives at any time it's easier if you begin on the day your period starts or a few days afterward, when your hormones are at their lowest levels. If you begin on CD1 then you are protected immediately. If you begin after that then you need to use back-up for at least 7 days and some doctors and this board recommend using back-up for the entire first cycle as you will be learning to take your pills correctly. If you have been using back-up, when you have slipped up and you forgotten a pill or pills or if Aunt Flo is late or of a different consistency or length you won't have a 'am I pg' meltdown.

Irregular bleeding is a very common side effect during the first 3 or so cycles after beginning or switching hormonal contraceptives. Since you began your pills so late in your cycle you may have ovulated. If you did there is no way to prevent your period that will begin when your natural progestin drops, about 2 weeks after ovulation. This may be the weekend for dark towels and candlelight or for using Instead http://www.softcup.com/ a menstrual cup that catches your flow and which can be worn while having intercourse. Since you are new to hormonal contraceptives it would be a good idea to read the information that came with your pills and keep it where you can refer to it. You might also want to read ‘Taking your pills correctly’ and ‘Common pill side effects’ in the FAQs at the top of the board. Let us know how you’re doing, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill