Posts by Thomas Roberts9

brightbear said:She just completely ignored everything her gynecologist told her, which is honestly such irresponsible behavior when it comes to your own health. Nowadays, even the birds in the trees are singing "follow your doctor's orders," yet the second someone decides to play rogue and do their own thing, suddenly everyone else is to blame...🙄

p.s. There’s absolutely zero logic in taking breaks from birth control pills.

Well, I feel compelled to offer a different perspective here, because back when I was sixteen, a doctor once told me I had some sort of "lesion" on my cervix that required cauterization. I suppose I was quite lucky that I decided to do a little digging of my own, only to discover that the procedure they suggested hadn't been the standard for about a decade, and even when it was used, it was typically reserved for women who had already given birth. Every other specialist I’ve seen since—three in total—didn't mention it at all, and when I did ask, they explained it wasn't necessary and that what I had was actually a perfectly normal occurrence for young women. It was really just a tiny protrusion and a slight change in pigmentation, which caused me absolutely no issues. So, I suppose it might be wiser to do a bit of research before blindly 🙂following medical advice
. You can't exactly tell a young woman to just listen to her doctor if she realizes that what is being proposed doesn't quite sit right with her.

brightbear said:She just completely ignored everything her gynecologist told her, which is honestly such irresponsible behavior when it comes to your own health. Nowadays, even the birds in the trees are singing "follow your doctor's orders," yet the second someone decides to play rogue and do their own thing, suddenly everyone else is to blame...🙄

p.s. There’s absolutely zero logic in taking breaks from birth control pills.

I suspect you might have read that somewhere, much like that idea about following doctors' orders without question,🙂

If anyone knows anything, it's that we ought to take charge of our own health, and if there is even a shadow of a doubt, you really should seek out a second opinion!

brightbear said:Honestly, your logic is full of holes...
And you didn't even mention which brand of birth control you were on. You're ready to pin everything on the doctor, but conveniently ignoring the fact that you made a conscious choice to mess with your own health and gamble with your body... like that doesn't count for anything.🙄

Now you're out here scaring some girl who's having the most standard, textbook reaction to her first dose of hormones...
Give me a break...

I don't think there's really any need for accusations here; she was simply sharing her own experience in the hope that it might be of some help to someone else. 🤷
I wouldn't exactly go so far as to say she is. I have to admit, I was quite reckless with my health, making choices that I knew deep down were doing real damage to my body. Honestly, she was just following her gynecologist’s instructions. While it's true she decided to stop taking the pills on her own, I really don't believe that's what caused her issues. I tend to do the same thing—whenever I feel like I need a break, I just stop, and then I simply mention at my next check-up that I took a two or three-month hiatus. It seems perfectly reasonable to me. A woman who truly understands her own body is usually intuitive enough to recognize when something feels off and make the choices she feels are best for her own well-being.

I sometimes find myself wondering if my attempts at expressing these thoughts are perhaps a bit too deliberate, but I suppose there is a certain comfort in moving through life with a steady, measured pace. kaže:
I have a question for you all: I’ve just started taking birth control pills for the first time, and since I only have four left before my scheduled break, I was wondering if it's actually normal to experience brown discharge throughout the entire month. The instructions mention that breakthrough bleeding between periods is possible, so I'm assuming this is just my body attempting to adjust to the new hormones, but I can't help feeling a little uneasy about it. Has anyone else dealt with something similar, or should I be genuinely concerned?🙂

Everything seems perfectly fine to me. 👍

Joshua Morris7 said:Quick question...

Can I start my first pack of birth control on day two of my period? 😕
I’ve used them before, but I just didn't get a chance to pick them up yesterday...

I read somewhere that you can start anytime within the first five days, but apparently, that just messes with your cycle length... :S

Thanks for any help... 🙂

You usually start either on day one or day four of your period.
It would probably be best to check in with your gynecologist to be safe. 🤷

Christian Smith6 said:Hey there!
So, here’s the deal—I’m trying to shift my cycle around a bit. Basically, by month eight, I want to move everything up by about a week. Right now, I’m supposed to start on a Thursday. Since I can adjust things by two days at a time—like, starting on a Tuesday instead, which pushes that whole month to a Sunday, and just keeping that rhythm going until it lands where I want it—I was wondering if that works... or would it be better if I just shifted it one day at a time?

Usually, people shift it by two or three days, so you just stop taking the pack a few days early and everything stays pretty much the same. Honestly, I’m not entirely sure how advisable it is to nudge it by a day or two every single month. It might be best to check in with your gynecologist; they’ll definitely have the most reliable advice for your specific situation.👍

slybadger22 said:So, what happens when I need to start the next pack? A friend of mine who’s on Yasmin told me I should jump straight into the second box immediately after finishing this one... is that right? And does the same rule apply to Logest?

You could certainly take a week-long break like you normally would, or you could just jump straight into the next pack. This idea of "continuing without a break" is really just about maintaining protection, since you aren't actually protected anymore once you miss a pill. Personally, I might suggest taking that seven-day break and then using some extra protection during the next month, because I've heard that skipping the break can sometimes lead to a much heavier and more painful period next time, though I suppose everyone reacts differently. It might be best to touch base with your gynecologist to be safe.😕

I suppose I should probably share my thoughts on this, though I often find myself doubting if my perspective carries any real weight in a conversation like this. It seems to me that we are all just trying to find our footing in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable. kaže:
John Thomas2, please help... I completely forgot to take my pill yesterday, and I only just realized it when I went to take today's dose. I still have five pills left from my packs. What should I do about this one "extra" dose?

It seems we are talking about the longest one.
I don't have any instructions, mostly because I've already thrown the box away.

Perhaps you could consider discarding or simply consuming the missed table, though in any case, it would be wise to implement some additional protection.
If you happen to forget to take your medication and realize within twelve hours that you missed a dose, please just go ahead and take it right away.
I suppose I should probably stop giving out instructions so freely, since there’s always that nagging feeling that I might actually need them later on. 😉

Jack Hall7 said:Look, I need some advice. I’ve been on antibiotics for the last few days—the kind that messes with birth control—and I just finished my last dose yesterday. Today was my first pill again after that usual seven-day break. Well, I hooked up with my boyfriend last night and things got a little... messy. Hmm... should I be freaking out, or is it worth hitting up my OB-GYN tomorrow?

I honestly don't think you need to spiral into a panic just yet. If you have been staying consistent with your pills, the chances of pregnancy are incredibly slim. While it's true that certain antibiotics can dampen the effectiveness of the pill, he didn't finish inside you, and you likely weren't even in the middle of your fertile window.
If you want total peace of mind, you could always check in with your doctor just to be safe, but personally, I don't think it's strictly necessary.

Karen Adams2 said:Evoooo, I went in for a rectoscopy today, and for anyone out there wondering about the experience, I can tell you quite sincerely that it was painful. My facial expression probably looked something like this.😲.

It likely hurt because you're probably dealing with a hemorrhoid.

Karen Adams2 As stated by:
I honestly can't even bring myself to imagine being the one undergoing a colonoscopy; I feel like I would probably just pass out from the sheer anxiety. I suppose I’m just a bit too sensitive for my own good.😁

I recently underwent a colonoscopy, and I have to say, it wasn't nearly as bad as I had anticipated. I did experience some discomfort at the beginning due to a hemorrhoid, but once that passed, I actually found myself laughing while on the table. 😁

Kenneth Thomas9 said:I’m 23, and I’m thinking about starting birth control.
One reason is that my periods have been brutal lately, and the other is pretty simple: I’m a total wreck when it comes to pregnancy anxiety. 😁 😁
I’ve been weighing this for a year now. Honestly, hearing those horror stories about girls dying from them gave me a bit of a scare.

I take my health seriously. If my OB-GYN doesn't suggest specific tests, I’ll definitely ask for them myself—I know doctors sometimes skip that step, and I don't want to take chances. I'd also insist on an annual blood panel. 😁 😁

I’m also sweating the side effects I’ve read about: breakouts, mood swings, weight gain. It would be a real shame because I finally got all of that under control. 😁

Is there actually anything to worry about here? 🙂
What would you guys recommend?

If I were to offer any guidance, I’d suggest speaking with a gynecologist first; after all, just as Nathan Gomez8 mentioned, we can't really suggest specific brands that worked for us, since everyone reacts differently.
Side effects are unfortunately always a possibility. Personally, I gained weight while on Diane-35, but once I stopped, I lost weight rapidly and felt quite lethargic. 😢 Logest had a particularly rough impact on my mental state—leaving me constantly anxious—and my libido practically vanished. On the other hand, Yasmin has been wonderful for me; my breasts grew slightly, my cycles are seamless, and I have no spotting at all. However, my cousin experienced terrible irritability and nerves from Yasmin. It truly depends on your unique biology. You can't find the perfect pill without testing them out; it isn't quite like recommending an ice cream flavor or a local real estate agency. 😉 You really need to consult a doctor and experience it for yourself.
The only thing I can say with certainty is that birth control is a lifesaver. 👍 You don't have to worry about unplanned pregnancies, your periods become regular and much less painful, and issues like skin breakouts or unwanted hair tend to disappear... it feels almost perfect. 😁
That being said, side effects do occur, especially if one is careless with things like accidental pregnancy from missed doses, blood clots, nausea, headaches, or vomiting. That is why finding the right fit is so essential.
Deaths linked to birth control are incredibly rare. If you had read the news more closely regarding those tragic cases involving Yasmin, you might have noticed that those women had been experiencing various side effects and issues previously, but because they were so busy, they simply ignored them rather than consulting a physician.
As long as you intend to regularly monitor your health—meaning getting routine checkups—I don't believe there is any reason to panic. 🙂

Michael Palmer4 said:Ugh, help! So, I started taking birth control pills for the very first time yesterday. I popped them at around 10:30 PM, but then by 6:00 AM, my stomach was doing absolute somersaults and I spent the entire morning throwing up. 😢😢 I’m assuming everything is fine since it had been about two or three hours before I felt sick—so the pill should have already been absorbed, right?—but honestly, I’m terrified to even touch the second one because I can't handle feeling this miserable again. How much longer are these side effects going to drag on? Seriously, I actually have stuff to do today, and I felt so incredibly awful that I ended up stuck at home. 😢
Please, tell me what your initial experiences were like. 🤷😉

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a reliable gynecologist, perhaps someone in the local area, because I find myself at a bit of a loss regarding what my next steps should be and would truly value some guidance on how to proceed.
If you aren't entirely certain that your symptoms are being caused by the Tylenol, I might suggest taking another dose just to be absolutely sure—though I suppose that isn't the most scientific approach. Honestly, I completely understand how overwhelming it feels when your schedule is packed and you simply don't have the luxury of "experimenting" with your health. That said, I really do think it would be best to consult with your doctor; they are truly the only ones who can give you the clarity you need.

If we are strictly discussing hemorrhoids, doctors usually just perform a sigmoidoscopy when necessary, meaning they aren't navigating a colonoscope through the entire length of the large intestine, but rather just focusing on the first few inches. I would suggest scheduling a consultation with an internist—specifically a gastroenterologist—first. If you walk them through your full medical history and explain exactly what you're experiencing now, they can make an informed decision. Most likely, they will start with a simple digital rectal exam 😁 just to assess the current state of the hemorrhoids. From there, if they feel it's warranted, they might recommend a more thorough rectoscopy or colonoscopy.
It might be worth asking around your local area to see which specialist comes highly recommended; I actually know a wonderful one nearby who provided excellent care. My own experience was quite positive, though I must admit I was incredibly nervous beforehand, as I have always been deeply uncomfortable with anyone being near that area, let alone having anything inserted 🤣.

Rachel Wilson24 said:..but does a colonoscopy hurt? I've heard it does, and that you can request anesthesia if needed..

There is actually a dedicated thread on this forum specifically about colonoscopies, so it might be helpful to browse through those posts to read various experiences. Personally, I haven't had any negative encounters at all; my experience was quite manageable. I felt a little discomfort right at the beginning, but once that passed, everything was perfectly fine—I was even able to laugh a bit toward the end 😁 it only lasted about 15 minutes. When I went to a private clinic, I paid $250 without using anesthesia (though with anesthesia, the costs usually jump to around $600 or even higher). I had considered opting for anesthesia myself, but after much deliberation, I decided it would be better to first "test the waters" and see if the discomfort was truly as intimidating as people claim, rather than just throwing $333 away unnecessarily (plus, anesthesia isn't always recommended unless it's absolutely essential). Honestly, I only felt a slight sting initially near where I have internal hemorrhoids, but once that subsided, it was wonderful. Of course, everyone’s digestive system is different, so it really varies from person to person. I would suggest having a thorough conversation with your doctor—specifically the one you plan to visit for the procedure

wiredpilot27 said:Ugh, listen up, people... I just got back from my doctor, and she’s basically telling me "it could be hemorrhoids—you need to take some Advil and start eating that Culturelle yogurt"... seriously!

In addition to those suggestions, I would personally recommend making some prune juice at home. Just a small word of caution—it tends to be quite effective, so please ensure you aren't too far from a restroom when you decide to enjoy it.🤣
You can easily find various recipes online; just google it.😉

Jamie Rivera78 said:You could've just assumed that. Honestly, there are way too many panic merchants around here ready to jump straight to surgery for everything. Glad you're doing okay.

I couldn't agree more with that sentiment. 🙂

p.s.—wiredpilot27 and I are both very glad to hear everything is okay. 👍

I have been using Yasmin for years now (I tried the long-term approach once, but it just didn't work out for me). Naturally, I take breaks of about six months every so often, but I always find my way back to good old Yasmin. 😁
I am curious to hear your thoughts on something—is it possible that birth control pills could cause more frequent heart palpitations? I have some minor issues with my heart valve, and it feels to me like when I'm taking the pill, my heart skips beats or gives me those sharp, stabbing sensations more often. My gynecologist and my cardiologist both insist there shouldn't be any connection... but what do you all think? 😕

dustyhawk87 said:I was just wondering if I should ask my primary care physician for bloodwork, or if I should reach out to my gynecologist instead? I'm looking to get my coagulation levels checked, or whatever the specific test is called... 🙂

It really shouldn't matter; either one can order those tests for you.

I hope you manage to get some much-needed rest

Alex Foster6 said:google it 😉

And I can't help but wonder about the actual likelihood of someone having chlamydia rectally?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? 🤣 It’s honestly similar to how the HPV virus can, if you quote the medical literature, "cause warts in the area of the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat."
Beyond that, for her to even have chlamydia, other symptoms would likely manifest first—probably vaginally, since I don't know a single woman who exclusively engages in anal play alone.😛

Goodness, there is quite a bit of unnecessary panic in this thread 😉

I recently dealt with some rectal discharge myself (about 2-3 tablespoons consistently, though it ebbed and flowed a bit). I went to see my doctor, and they explained that while discharge can be concerning, it isn't always an indicator of something dire; it could simply be a minor inflammatory issue. Of course, you can't really diagnose yourself through an online forum, so your best bet is to schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist. You might need a colonoscopy, or perhaps you won't, but it could also just be something as common as hemorrhoids causing mucus production...

And one more thing—everyone, we are discussing discharge from the large intestine!! What on earth has gotten into you all to start bringing up chlamydia or "other STDs" in this context? 😂