Posts by Paul Rivera

brighteagle86 said:👋

I’ve never used this type of birth control before—
so I did some digging, and my OB-GYN is pushing Yaz or Novynette.
Why those specific 🤷
specifically? Is there some kind of kickback involved—marketing deals, commissions, or something else entirely?

How am I supposed to make a final call here? What kind of margins are we talking about for one versus the other?
Should I just take matters into my own hands and look into something else, like Qlaira?

Honestly, I have about a hundred different questions swirling around in my head right now.😵

Well, Yaz is made by Bayer, so the price is high$49 (until recently $39, though Bayer hiked prices on several products lately), while Novynette $30 comes from Basel. Both are low-dose pills. With Yaz, you get a 4-day break every month, whereas Novynette gives you 7 days—that's when you'll see your period.
Your doctor likely recommended those specific brands for a reason; it probably depends on your blood work, why you need them in the first place (contraception, PCOS, or whatever), and things like that. 🙂
I'm on Yaz myself and I'm pretty satisfied with it (plus, I guess I just trust Bayer more 😬), and I read somewhere that shorter breaks are generally better.
Qlaira is the newer option from Bayer. The price is currently $40, but I suspect it'll jump soon, just like it did for Yaz and Yasmin. They only have a 2-day break.
It’s all highly individual. Neither you nor your doctor can be 100% certain how a specific pill will hit your system. You might just have to try one, and if it doesn't work out, switching is easy enough. 😉

Maybe look through the older posts in this thread; there's plenty of advice and personal stories there. There are also separate threads for every single type of pill. 🙂
I suppose you should take everyone's experience with a grain of salt, though. Everything is different for everyone, and people react to these things in their own way.

Larry Thompson44 said:help, please 🙂
My OB prescribed Lindynette 20 birth control—told me to start on day 1 of my next period.
Never used pills before.
Woke up this morning with a little spotting on my underwear, but that’s it for the whole day... just seeing some blood when I wipe after using the bathroom.

Does this count as my period? Should I start today? 🤷
Or should I wait until tomorrow to see if things actually pick up? 🙂

What do you guys think? Thanks for any help.

If I were you, I’d just start today since technically it's Day 1, regardless of how light it is. 🤷
I guess you probably know best when your period usually hits and what your typical first-day flow looks like.🤷

I suppose there’s nothing left to say. Maybe everything was just noise all along. kaže:
I honestly can’t quite put my finger on it. I don't even know how to describe it properly, but it feels like something is just... different inside. It's this bizarre sensation, almost as if something has detached. I can actually feel that piece of tissue moving in and out. It's definitely unusual, though maybe it isn't as terrifying as I'm making it sound. I guess my uterus just feels strange. Anyway, I've been on this medication for six weeks now—should this feeling be going away by now?
I just hope my gut doesn't get wrecked by pills like my friend's did. Everything for her just went totally sideways... I guess.🙂

I had this feeling like some kind of "needle" was pricking me down there. It wasn't exactly a pleasant sensation, I guess. 😁 It’s finally over, thank god—after a whole month. I guess you should probably call your OB-GYN and ask what the deal is if things don't clear up soon. 😉

Adam Campbell5 said:I'm sticking with the same routine—just some weed. Personally, I don't buy into the whole "it's bad for you" hype when it comes to hormones—after all, it’s just a plant, right? Similar to drinking chamomile tea or whatever else people use to relax. It doesn't affect your chemistry like that. The only real downside is the smoke itself—inhaling any kind of smoke isn't great for your lungs or blood clotting risks—but let's be real, unless you're lighting up dozens of joints a day, the odds are pretty slim. :P
Sometimes—just sometimes—I’ll take some chamomile along with my pills to level things out. It works, I suppose. But I should clarify: strictly occasionally. 🤣 Not that this is exactly a glowing recommendation—but please, don't go judging too harshly. 😳

Just one question—has anyone actually experienced changes to their gut health while on these pills? —just wondering if it's a common side effect.
I don't really know how else to put this—my gut basically forces me to sprint for the restroom, and then, predictably, it’s just pure chaos.
How do I fix this? — I’m certain it’s the pills, since this started the very first day I began taking them—and I’m already on my second pack.

I'm curious—has anyone else noticed their anatomy feeling different internally since starting birth control? Everything feels... off during intimacy. It’s hard to pin down—nothing specific, just a strange sensation that wasn't there before—but if you've experienced this, please let me know. Any insight would be appreciated.

I'm dealing with the frequent bathroom trips too, and since Yaz is a decent diuretic, I’m constantly running to pee as well.😁

I also had some weird sensations down there during sex when I first started the pill—kind of a sharp, stabbing feeling. After the first few weeks, though, that part seemed to settle down.

gemini1206 said:Mine have grown, and they’re still growing, too. It’s just a shame they’ll probably shrink back to their old size once I stop taking the pill...
but I heard that for some people, they actually stay at the size they reached while on them.
Is that even possible??! 😕

It’s probably possible, I guess, but in 90% of cases, they just go right back to how they were. 😁
For example, mine grew during my first month on the pill, but now—just four months in—they’re already back to their original size. 😬
Everything is different for everyone, maybe.

Alexander Murphy94 said:

What’s the point? You all sit here acting like you have the answers, but nobody actually knows anything. Just noise. Constant, endless noise. Why bother even typing? kaže:
So, what, you're just gonna head straight to the physical exam then? 🤷
Look, you’re better off getting checked out first. Get an ultrasound to make sure everything is clear, then get the bloodwork done. For instance, a friend of mine had her blood tested and they found she had issues with blood clotting. Because of that, she couldn't even touch birth control pills.

Can't even go in for a checkup because I'm still virginal. And honestly? I’m not planning on changing that until I can get my hands on the pill. But apparently, getting the pill is impossible right now. It’s like being stuck in some kind of endless, twisted loop. 🤷

You can definitely get an exam regardless of whether you're a virgin, though the procedure is a bit different. And honestly, don't mess around with birth control; I guess no decent OB-GYN is going to prescribe anything until they've actually seen you first. 🤷
If you're looking for pills for protection, maybe you could just use condoms for the first few times? Then you can head in for a proper exam whenever you feel ready. Birth control isn't exactly a prerequisite for sex, especially if it's your first time. 🤷

Alexander Murphy94 said:So, I called up this private OB-GYN clinic today. I told them straight up: I don’t need a full exam, I just want a prescription for birth control pills. And what does the receptionist say? She tells me they can't see me because I'm not an existing patient. Are you kidding me? Like, how am I supposed to become a patient if they won't even let me through the door!? Then she tries to direct me to a doctor covered by my insurance, but I don't have any. I'm not interested in waiting months for a state-subsidized doctor; I need these pills ASAP so I can start them on the first day of my cycle. What am I even supposed to do here? 😕

So, you're heading to the physical exam then? I guess that's one way to spend a day. Maybe. 🤷
I guess it’s probably better to get checked out first—ultrasounds, blood work, all that stuff. A friend of mine had her bloodwork come back showing clotting issues, so she couldn't even go on the pill. Maybe just play it safe.

placidtrucker20 said:I have a somewhat silly question, though I certainly can't be expected to sift through nearly 250 million pages of this thread to find an answer.
Better to look foolish than to make a mistake with an eighteen-year-old.

Before I head to my OB-GYN, should I first visit my primary care physician to request a referral for blood work so I can present those results to the specialist—or is it better to just go straight to the gynecologist and ask about starting pills?

I haven't started taking them yet.

Usually, you see the specialist first, and they’ll issue the referral for the labs. Once the bloodwork is done, the results hit the clinic's system in a couple of days—it's all digital now, I guess—and then you just swing back to pick up the script.🙂

Eric Kelly7 said:Hey, ladies. Hope you can help me out here. I’ve been on birth control for two years now. I started with Yaz, which was actually fine for a while, until one month my period just wouldn't quit—even after ten days. So, I switched over to Yasmin, and honestly, it’s been great so far.

But then there's the stuff... I get these brutal migraines during PMS, I've put on some weight (though I guess there are other culprits involved too), and my breasts have grown like two whole sizes. It’s kind of a mess, really, because for my height, I feel like I look totally disproportionate.

So, I was wondering, based on what you all have dealt with, is Loestrin supposedly the mildest option? Or maybe something else entirely? Don't worry, I'm not just playing doctor; everything I take goes through my OB-GYN, but I figured I'd do a little digging before I go in there and absolutely grill her. Thanks! 🙂

I don't know much about Cilest, but I know a lot of girls have been raving about Qlaira lately since it hit the market. Apparently, it releases more natural hormones and is supposedly pretty mild. 🤷
The only thing that surprises me is that your bleeding lasted ten days on Yaz; mine barely lasts two or three, I guess. 😲

Kimberly Castillo2 said:missing your period is super common during those first few months. My OB-GYN told me the same thing, so seriously, don't sweat it😉

Personally, my curves popped out by almost two sizes! 🙂

I’m just jealous, 😁 mine are only for half. Maybe I should switch over to Qlaira, I guess. 😬

lonemoose23 said:I just feel awkward about it; it’s not even fear, really. 😉
I’d probably go to the gynecologist on my own, but I guess if I’m being honest with myself, I have to wait another year until I’m officially an adult. My mom isn't some backwards dinosaur; she actually understands how I feel about him and can read me like an open book. We talk normally about these things, though since we haven't been close lately, I haven't mentioned what "happened" 🙂
She would understand, and maybe she’d even suggest going to the doctor if I told her.
It’s just embarrassing because I’m still "young," even though I realize there are kids out there much more reckless than me (a thought that honestly repulses me), but the idea of sitting on that exam table with my mom right there while I discuss my sex life... 🙂

You don't necessarily need to be eighteen to handle this yourself, especially if you're seeing a doctor at a hospital or a private clinic. A friend of mine went to the hospital alone when she was sixteen because she was stressed out, and they took care of her without any issues. As long as you have health insurance, 😁

And your mother definitely doesn't need to be standing by your side at the appointment just because you're seventeen. 😁 You're old enough to handle the exam solo; your mom doesn't need to be waiting in the lobby (or even inside 😱) for you to get it done. 😉
Besides, doctors are supposed to respect privacy, so whatever you tell them stays confidential—regardless of whether you're a minor.
The only exception is if it involves something that puts you in actual danger, then they might have to notify your parents.

And you aren't that young. It's perfectly normal to start having relationships around sixteen or seventeen, and doctors see this all the time, so there's really no reason to feel embarrassed. 😉

lonemoose23 said:Basically, I’ll be turning 17 in a few days, and he just turned 20. I’ve been thinking about seeing a gynecologist, but I feel kind of awkward bringing the whole thing up to my dear mother. She knows our relationship is pretty serious and that we’re being responsible (protection is priority 😉), but I’m not sure what she thinks about us being sexually active. I guess it won't shock her since it's easy to assume, plus she’s a very tolerant woman who always listens to me and gives good advice.

I’d love some advice on what to do here. Should I go for it, or not? 🙂
I thought about visiting the doctor and maybe asking about birth control while I'm there, but I can't shake the feeling that I'm too young. Even though things are serious between us, I still feel uneasy about it.
I'll wait patiently for your replies, thanks in advance. 👋

First off—why would you even need to tell your mom if you're worried about how she'll react? That's your business. Honestly, if she knows you're together, she probably assumes sex has happened (or will soon), so I wouldn't sweat that part.
I don't know what she's like, whether she's conservative or not, or if you guys have discussed sex before—that's really what determines if telling her is smart. You mentioned she’s tolerant and knows you're responsible, so I guess it shouldn't be an issue. Don't overthink it; seeing a gynecologist is perfectly normal, and women do it 🤷

Personally, I've always handled everything myself (doctor visits, buying pills, etc.) because my mom has been pretty conservative for as long as I can remember and never wants to talk about it.
When I first looked for a doctor, I asked some friends and checked online forums, found a specialist, handled the paperwork, and that was that. 😉 My doctor suggested the pill herself, and you usually shouldn't have trouble getting a prescription as long as you pass all the necessary tests and everything looks fine. 😉

And you definitely should see a gynecologist if you're active and have a boyfriend. 🤷
John Doe 👍

Benjamin Robinson3 said:If I took my pill at 6:15 in the morning instead of during the usual window between 10:30 PM and midnight, does that lower my protection? Do I need to use a condom? It’s the third pill in the pack.

I don't think so. I guess the real trouble starts if you're more than 12 hours late.🤷

Just asking out of curiosity, purely for information.
Do you actually need to get blood work done again after six months on the pill, or can you just swing by the gynecologist to grab a new prescription since my current one for Yaz is only valid for six months?

granitepilot5 said:I’ve been taking Logest, and now I’m having to deal with Klavax—because life, apparently, isn't easy enough. According to the instructions (and my pharmacist was quite insistent about this too), I need to use extra protection... however, I didn't think to ask whether they mean strictly during the window when I'm actually on the antibiotic, or if I need to remain cautious for a while afterward until the medication has completely cleared my system?

I guess an antibiotic takes about another week after you finish to fully clear your system, though I've heard some doctors suggest staying protected until you've finished the entire blister pack.🤷

hollowlynx6 said:Thanks! 🙂When I was taking Diane, everything was covered by my insurance, but I'm guessing these newer ones might cost a bit more out of pocket even with coverage..? 🤔

Ugh, Medicare is unfortunately pretty pricey, and it doesn't cover much health-wise either. You have to pay monthly, I guess. $39It’s a single blister pack containing 28 pills, though I guess four of them are just placebos. Maybe that's the catch.
I'm not entirely certain about Qlairu, but I guess the price is probably hovering around the same mark. $40I guess there were only two placebos. Maybe.

Nathan Baker said:Everything except for Lyndette20, though even then, their coverage is only partial, which means you end up footing the bill all over again every single month... if my math serves me right, it’s roughly around... $12Regarding those pills everyone seems to be buzzing about lately—honestly, if you’re looking for a straight answer on the exact price, you aren't going to find much comfort in a single number. It’s all a bit of a moving target, isn't it? Between the retail markups at places like CVS or Walgreens and whatever specialized pharmacy decides to charge that week, the cost fluctuates more than my interest in most modern art. You might see one price online through a mail-order service, only to realize the shipping or the insurance co-pay turns it into something entirely different by the time it actually hits your doorstep. It’s a bit exhausting, really, trying to pin down a definitive figure when the whole system feels designed to keep you guessing. Just keep your eyes open, because the "sticker price" is rarely the final act.

Yeah, those new-gen Lyndette pills are something else, even if there’s barely any info on them online. They're way cheaper than the old ones, though. I guess.

hollowlynx6 said:👋

I’m thinking about getting back on birth control after taking a three-year break. I used to be on Yaz, but I definitely wouldn't go back to that because it felt way too strong and gave me a bunch of side effects.
Since my facial skin is super sensitive and I’ve finally managed to get everything under control, I really want to find the lowest-dose pill out there—something gentle that won't trigger any issues. Does anyone know which ones are the mildest?
I just want to feel totally prepared before I head into my appointment with the OB-GYN... 🥳
The main things I'm worried about are weight gain and breakouts, obviously. 🙄

The lightest options (meaning the ones with the lowest hormone levels) are Yaz and Loestrin, as far as I know.
For me, Yaz actually cleared up my skin, and I barely deal with any other side effects.

northerntrucker4 said:

I saw someone mention my handle earlier. Not that it matters. People always have something to say when they think nobody's listening. Anyway, back to what actually matters. kaže:
Might as well weigh in on this myself. 😬
I started taking birth control primarily for protection, even though my PCOS is on the milder side. I’ve already dropped about a month and a half's worth of weight, and my skin cleared up around week three. To be fair, acne was never really an issue for me—just the occasional breakout during PMS—but everything feels much fresher now, and those tiny little scars are slowly fading away.
Regarding hair growth, I haven't noticed any significant changes, at least for now.
My appetite has been picking up lately. I haven't actually put on any weight yet, though—luckily, my metabolism is pretty fast. I’ve been using A Yaz as a diuretic, and it works wonders. 😁
Regarding the amount, I don't really feel those PMS symptoms anymore. No pain at all—I used to just lie there incapacitated, popping Ibuprofen like candy—and it only lasts about two or three days. Honestly, I'm pretty satisfied with how things are going. 🙂

I’m thinking those pills might actually be worth it for me too. I don't deal with acne, but I definitely get those occasional breakouts during my cycle, and honestly, putting on a few extra pounds wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. So, I wanted to ask—since I’ve never taken birth control before—should I tell my gynecologist exactly what I'm looking for? Like, if I want to use them for contraception but also specifically want to boost my appetite, should I be upfront about that, or is the doctor just going to pick whatever they want for me?

My doctor gave me a few brochures about all the different options, though she did suggest Yaz. Next time I went in, I told her I’d decided on Yaz and she wrote the prescription 🙂 (obviously, I had bloodwork done first to make sure everything was fine)

I guess I'll weigh in on this too.😬
I started the pills mainly for protection, even though my PCOS is pretty mild. My skin has already cleared up significantly—I'd say by the third week. I never really dealt with acne, just the occasional breakout during PMS, but everything feels much fresher now, and those tiny little scars are slowly fading away.
As far as hair growth goes, I haven't noticed any major changes yet, at least.
My appetite has definitely increased a bit, but I haven't put on any weight; I suppose I just have a fast metabolism. Yaz works wonders as a diuretic, too.😁
Regarding the dosage, I don't feel those PMS symptoms anymore—not even the pain. I used to be popping Ibuprofen constantly, but now it only lasts about two or three days. I’m satisfied so far, I guess.🙂

Kimberly Castillo2 said:

Listen, I’m just gonna say it. Most of this stuff we see online? Pure garbage. Total noise. You spend half your life scrolling through absolute nonsense thinking you’re actually learning something, only to realize you’ve just wasted another hour of your life on nothing. It’s exhausting. Everything feels fake, everyone’s playing a part, and honestly, the cynicism is starting to feel like the only honest thing left. Just my two cents. Don't @ me. kaže:
How long did it take for them to grow that much? 😲 😍
Been on Yaz 2 for two weeks now. No side effects yet, just a tiny bit of weight gain. 😬

I honestly couldn't believe it, but now I’m on a whole different level. Not a single bra fits anymore—I actually had to raid my mom's closet just to find something that works. 🤣

My nails and my hair aren't even growing that much, and I’ve been using this stuff for a year already. I noticed a bit of a difference when I was on Yasmin, but honestly? Nothing like what I'm seeing now on Qlaira. I actually couldn't believe it—they are literally growing every single day. 😂

I swear, people are just too sensitive. They start growing an attitude the second you try to set a boundary or talk about numbers, acting like the whole world’s gonna blow up. That's how it is with me all the time. Constant drama. 😁

So, before, my numbers were floating somewhere between a two and a three, but now? Yeah, I’m sitting at a solid four. 😁

I really had no idea it was possible for them to grow that much. For instance, one friend went up a whole cup size on Diane, while another friend didn't see any change at all from C to C on Yasmin. 😁 I suppose it's all pretty individual, I guess. Personally, I'd be thrilled if they grew even a little bit since I wasn't exactly blessed in that department. 🤣

Anyway, how did you end up switching from Yaz to Qlaira? I'm actually doing okay so far. I was worried about mood swings or headaches, but I haven't had any issues, really. I noticed both are made by Bayer.