New... what to expect?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-17-2006
New... what to expect?
6
Tue, 04-04-2006 - 3:22pm
Well, first off I'm not sexually active so I hope this is the right board anyways! I have recently started having unusual periods. They are regular but are lasting longer and longer. Sometimes I bleed for almost half the month. My primary care doctor has done some blood tests but can't find anything wrong so far. So she has referred me to a gynecologist (my first time, this Thursday!) and said I would probably be prescribed a birth control pill.
I know nothing about birth control pills. Neither my mom or my good friends have ever taken them. What should I expect? What types of questions should I ask the doctor? I'm very excited at the chance to go back to a normal non-bleeding life lol! Will they really help?
Annette
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-19-2005
Tue, 04-04-2006 - 4:58pm

Here is a really good article about the pill from Planned Parenthood:

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/pp2/portal/files/portal/medicalinfo/birthcontrol/pub-contraception-pill.xml

And, the FAQ's section of this board has some good info as well. After you read those, you'll have a better idea of what you might need to ask your doctor. Also, you might want to sit down with your pharmacist when you pick up your first pack. Pharmacists are more than happy to go over drug info with you, and you'll be establishing a good relationship with someone who can look out for interactions, or get you the latest info on your medications.

As for what to expect...that's hard to say. There are so many formulations of the pill, and every woman reacts to every pill differently. I know that sounds like a cop-out, but it's true, LOL! The FAQ's have good information about possible side effects. Remember that it may take a couple of months for your body to get accustomed to the pill, so if you have minor side effects that aren't causing serious problems, try to give yourself a cycle or two, or three, before you think about switching pills. Most side effects aren't harmful, but there are a few that can be serious, so read your pill info and be aware.

From my personal experience, one side effect I had that sometimes isn't listed is that caffeine started affecting me more, so I have to watch my java intake. Other than that, I haven't had any problems. My periods are now almost nothing, but it took some time to get to this point.

Good luck on your exam and on starting the pill, if that is what you and your doc decide. Remember, if you have ANY questions, call your doctor or pharmacist. That's what they're there for, and they usually WANT you to call, insted of suffering or being nervous!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-26-2005
Tue, 04-04-2006 - 7:44pm
UGH...how frustrating for you....Well,for the first time gyno visit you'll be asked the typical "medical history" stuff....but also about your "menstrual history" too...like about how old were you when you started-are you having any problems (and you are),are you sexually active...general questions like that....now for getting the pill (if you're advised to start it) they will explain the pros/cons/risks for taking it and tell you HOW to take it (PAY CLOSE ATTENTION) LOL....Also be sure to tell them ALL the medicines you're taking now (over the counter like tylenol and herbal stuff and prescriptions) because some things will interact with the pill-so that's important....((HUGS)) hope things go well for your first visit....Hope you get relief from the problems you're having now.....
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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-15-2004
Tue, 04-04-2006 - 10:37pm

Hi- I just wanted to tell you that I went through the same thing when I was 16. I began bleeding for 10, then 12, then 14 days at a time. I was put on the pill, and it did regulate my period. Being young, I wasn't as aware of my body as I am now (I'm ancient- 30 ; ) But- looking back on it I realize that's when I started having more headaches. Not that my experience will be the same as yours, but you might think about getting a little calendar and keep it by your bed. You can jot down any time you have cramps, headaches, extreme moodiness, etc..... Over time you can see patterns, and it could help your doctor decide which pill is best for you (I changed pill brands 3 times the first few years I took them).

Anyway, hope this helps and this is definitely the right place to come with questions, worry, anything any time.

Hugs- Gin

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 04-05-2006 - 7:49am

The other girls have pretty much covered it!

Judie Cl for Birth Control 
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-21-2003
Wed, 04-05-2006 - 6:24pm

>>>From my personal experience, one side effect I had that sometimes isn't listed is that caffeine started affecting me more<<<

Weird. I've been noticeing the same thing since getting Mirena and wondered if it was connected or coincidence (still wondering). Also, it seems that things where the caffine is added like in soda affect me worse than tea or coffee.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-19-2005
Wed, 04-05-2006 - 9:31pm
Mirena is the IUD with hormones, right? The hormones in the pill slow the metabolization of caffeine, so it stays in your system longer. So, I would assume the hormone IUD would do the same thing. I'm not sure why sodas would affect you more, unless the additional salt in soda also affects how your body eliminates caffeine. Interesting.