Period Starting Before Sugar Pills

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-17-2006
Period Starting Before Sugar Pills
5
Sat, 03-31-2007 - 8:59pm

I've been on Trinessa and Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo for the past three months. On the second pack my spotting stopped, but I continued to start my period four to five days early (the day it normally would if I wasn't taking birth control). This is my third pack, should I be concerned?

One other question, due to a new work schedule I need to take my pill at a different time than I normally would. What I need to do is switch from morning to evening. How do I go about this? I've also been considering going on the patch since my work schedule may be crazy (anything between 5 am to 10 pm). I guess I'm curious how different it is from Trinessa.

Thank you in advance, and I love this message board.

One other question came to mind. I feel silly for asking, but you can't learn any other way. Would something like a sinus and allergy tablet to clear up sinus pressure effect my pills? I know antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness, but should I worry about anything else?




Edited 3/31/2007 9:15 pm ET by udon_noodles
Avatar for rthrbswmng
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-29-2003
Sat, 03-31-2007 - 9:28pm

I take prescription allergy medicine and my doctor wasn't ever concerned about it making my BC any less effective. As for the pill switching, you want to do it over a few days and let no more than 2 hours intervals (ex. if you start at 8am, then move to 10am the next day, then noon the next, ect). I know the best protection window is within those 2 hours of the normal time youd take it. Otherwise you could take it early one day and just go from there (because I've never heard that it would be any less effective that way). I've never been on the patch so I can't help you there. As for the break through bleeding, I had a similiar experience with OTC lo. It went away around the 4th month for me. I'd talk to your doctor about switching if that is a big concern for you. You might need a stronger pill. I hope this helps.

Mel

Melissa

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-17-2006
Sat, 03-31-2007 - 10:55pm

Part of me wonders if it's ok to be having unprotected sex even though I am still taking the sugar pill a days after my period has ended.

I am still curious about the patch if anyone would like to share their experience.

Thanks!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sat, 03-31-2007 - 10:58pm

Hi udon_noodles, welcome!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-17-2006
Sun, 04-01-2007 - 9:38pm
I go back to my doctor near the end of this month, and I'll ask about being put on something stronger. She just started me out on Lo because, "it is what I put all my patients on first." Until then should I be using condoms since there is a gap between the end of my period and the day I start taking my active pills? the gap is about four days this cycle.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 04-02-2007 - 1:23am

>>Until then should I be using condoms since there is a gap between the end of my period and the day I start taking my active pills? the gap is about four days this cycle. <<


      Jill