New... what to expect?
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New... what to expect?
| 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
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

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!
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
The other girls have pretty much covered it!
>>>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.