Just need some reassurance!

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-06-2004
Just need some reassurance!
2
Thu, 10-28-2004 - 9:20pm
Hi again everyone!

So I have been on the pill for 5 years. Ortho-Tri for most of the time, switching to OTC-LO about 2 months ago. I am now in a relationship with a man who is likely to be my future husband and we would really like to get rid of the condoms and rely soley on my pills for pregnancy protection. Here's the problem: I am so paranoid that my pills for some reason won't work. I take them everyday at the same time...even setting my alarm on the weekend so I can wake up briefly to take my pill at the normal time. I tend to spot after sex too...anywhere from right after to a couple days later...i've had this checked out and everything seems fine so apparently it is my body's reaction to intercourse. Anyways, the spotting makes me paranoid as well that something is off....

Anyways, I guess what I am asking is: did anyone else go through this when beginning to rely soley on their pill? How did you get over your worries so that you could enjoy being with your partner?

Thanks everyone!

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-13-2004
Fri, 10-29-2004 - 6:36pm
I can't help too much with your concerns, because I have the same ones--but I wanted you to know you're not the only one! I've been on ortho tri-cyclen lo for about a year...no side effects, never miss any pills, should be set, right? But even though my BF and I are in a monogamous relationship and have been for more than a year, I can't seem to forgo the condoms--I have trouble trusting that the pill works, and if I ever feel even a little bit "off"--upset stomach, headache, etc...I worry that I could be pregnant, even though, logically, the chance should be nearly zero. It seems that I think I'll be one of the tiny percentage of women the pill fails. Would love to hear how others got over this problem---or perhaps I'm just nuts... :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-30-2003
Fri, 10-29-2004 - 10:18pm
Well...I'm glad to know I'm not the only paranoid one around here. I've only been on OrthoLo for about 3 weeks now, and on the 14th day of taking them, I had sex w/o a condom and ever since I've been asking myself "What if...they didnt work?!?!" I've been experiencing spotting almost every day this week (taking dark blue pills) and I REALLY wish that would go away soon. It's very annoying and plus I'm having some pretty harsh cramps along with it. I've done tons of research on OrthoLo, and from the looks of things, after 7 days, you're completely protected against pregnancy. It's all in our heads, ladies...I think. Certainly if you've been on the pills for a year now, you should have no worries. Ahhh the wonders of the female mind.