crimsontinker7 said:I’ve never actually said this to anyone before. Honestly, I’d rather just hear what you all think... Ever since I was a kid, I’ve felt like a slave to my own set of rules and rituals. I’ve always had these rigid principles about how things have to be done. Even today, if I’m making a sandwich, there has to be an exact, symmetrical number of slices of turkey and cheese laid out perfectly. It’s the same with brushing my teeth. There’s a specific sequence I follow—exactly how many times I wash my face, how many times I spit out the water and toothpaste, and so on. If I accidentally break one of these rules, I feel compelled to invent some kind of penance. For instance, if I wash my face four times instead of three, I have to pour water over the sink faucet twice. If I fail to follow my own internal logic, I get incredibly frustrated. That’s why I invented these little "punishments"... they’re meant to restore balance to my rules. I know, it sounds bizarre. 🙂 And then there’s the talking to myself. It happens constantly. Sometimes, while I’m talking, I’ll feel like I didn’t pronounce a word quite right, so I’ll repeat that same word over and over until it feels "correct." When I’m thinking about something, too, I often find I can't control the direction of my thoughts. For example, if I visualize a man running, eventually he’s going to take off sprinting. No matter how hard I try with my mind, I can’t force him back down to the ground. It happens with any thought—a bicycle, a plane, anything at all... When I’m watching a movie, I’ll sometimes get the nagging feeling that I missed a tiny, insignificant detail. So, I end up rewinding the film just so I can be absolutely certain I saw and heard everything. Or when a song comes on, I have to listen to it until the very end, even if I’m in a rush or supposed to be somewhere else. I have these other patterns too, like which months I need to trim my hair or when I start wearing a jacket. Sometimes I’ll walk outside without a coat and freeze my ass off because it's freezing, simply because my "jacket season" doesn't officially start until next month.😁 I am obsessively focused on details. When I clean a shirt or my sneakers, there can't be a single speck of dust left on them. I won't miss a single stray thread. I wipe down my computer mouse every single time someone else uses it. When I write a text or an email, I check it multiple times to ensure it's written perfectly... There's so much more, really. I can't even remember all the different rules and habits I have... there are just too many. I often wonder how interesting it would be if the whole world operated by my rules. I don't see this as a problem within myself. Besides, nobody else sees it anyway; it’s all just happening inside my head. Could this be some kind of OCD or something similar? I don't know. What do you guys think?
If it provides you any comfort, I have my own share of these little absurdities. Though, I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm particularly crazy, haha. I also wipe down my mouse if anyone so much as glances at it. And I never sit on a toilet seat without scrubbing it first with disinfectant. It isn't a phobia of germs or a fear of getting sick; it’s just the thought of someone sitting there with their bare backside right before me that makes my skin crawl. It’s the same deal with my clothes. There are times in the fall when I’m sweating through my shirt because I’m still stuck in my heavy coat and boots. And then, conversely, I’ll find myself freezing my skin off. 🙂 Lately, I’ve found myself increasingly agitated by a peculiar compulsion that seems to be taking hold: the absolute, unwavering refusal to ever walk down the same street twice in a single day. If I head out toward my office in the morning, I find it physically grating to take that same route home. It’s an irrational impulse, really, and frankly, it makes navigating the simple logistics of life in a city like Chicago far more complicated than it needs to be.
So, here’s the situation: I’ve been taking birth control pills to manage my acne. It’s been about five or six months now, and things are finally starting to clear up. My gynecologist and I have discussed transitioning to a milder formulation for my next pack. He hinted that Yaz might be an option. However, if I’m being honest, I can't shake this feeling that women in the medical field are often treated like guinea pigs when it comes to these newer hormonal formulations, and the thought of switching makes me incredibly anxious. Standard options like Diane-35 have been on the market for years; we know the side effects, the risks, and the statistical data inside and out. These newer brands haven't been around long enough to truly prove their long-term safety profile or reveal all their potential downsides. It reminds me of how Jasmin was marketed—touted as a low-dose, "safe" alternative with minimal side effects, only for us to hear reports of serious health complications later on.
Because of that, I’m looking for recommendations. Does anyone know of a pill that is considered milder than Diane but has actually been around long enough to have a proven track record? I want something I can bring to my doctor so I don't feel like I'm just part of a clinical trial.
Also, has anyone here actually used Yaz? If you have, what was your experience like, and roughly what does it run for in terms of monthly cost?
Sean Richardson9 said:I probably should apologize in advance because someone might have already asked this... but
Since I’ve been on birth control for nearly three years now, I was wondering—does it still matter if I schedule my Pap smear during the middle of my cycle, or does being on the pill change things? Right now, the last third of my cycle works best for me, both in terms of my schedule and my budget, but if doing it then isn't ideal, I’d rather not go through the hassle for nothing...
I’m also on the pill, and my doctor usually has me come in for my Pap about seven days after my period ends.
Alright ladies, I could really use some input here. I’ve been taking Diane, and I finished my last pack on Monday. I was expecting my period to arrive yesterday, but nothing has happened yet. I haven't noticed any of those usual symptoms that usually signal it's coming. About ten days ago, I came down with the flu and had to take a course of antibiotics. Shortly after I finished the medication, I had some unprotected intercourse—it only hit me afterward that antibiotics can interfere with the effectiveness of birth control. This is actually the first time I've had to deal with antibiotics since I started on the pill. So, my question is: WHEN should I actually start worrying about whether or not I'm pregnant? I'm supposed to start a new pack this Tuesday, and if my period hasn't shown up by then, does that automatically mean I've conceived?
Donna Wood52 said:I’m struggling to find the right headline for this, but let me try to lay it out. I know this woman—maybe she’s 28, I don't know exactly—and look, she is stunning. I don't mean just "conventionally attractive," I mean truly, head-turning gorgeous. She has the kind of curves people dream about and a face straight off a Vogue cover. But—and this is the part where the story hits a wall—that is quite literally all she has. No boyfriend, let alone a husband; no college degree... basically, she lacks everything that modern American society tells a young person they "should" have to be considered successful. Yet, everywhere she goes, men are practically tripping over themselves to get her attention. I'm not sure if you see what I'm getting at here.
I met her during a group therapy session we were attending. It was one of those settings where everyone seems to be competing over their accomplishments—this guy was bragging about his career, that woman about her kids, another person about their grad school progress—and then there was her. When it was her turn to sit, she just let her thick hair down and crossed those long, beautiful legs. That was it. 😁
So, the question is: is someone like that actually happy? On one hand, looking that good has to count for something—men certainly notice—and I wouldn't call her stupid, either. She’s actually quite serious, and whenever we had these sessions, she’d offer some genuinely insightful advice. She isn't some vapid, self-absorbed airhead, despite appearances.
What I'm curious about is whether any of you have ever encountered someone like this—someone who possesses nothing to show for themselves except an incredible physical appearance?
In my view, beauty can actually be more of a curse than a blessing for people like this. Because everyone is so preoccupied with admiring them, no one ever bothers to look past the surface to see their other qualities and strengths—which, I am certain, exist. I once knew an exceptionally beautiful woman who suffered immensely because of it. She’s in her thirties now, and she still hasn't married or even maintained a long-term relationship. At her job, she deals with constant harassment from men and deep resentment from women. All she ever wanted was to just be ordinary.
Then again, looking at it from another angle, some women know exactly how to weaponize their beauty to get what they want. But to do that, you really have to be born without a heart and possess a staggering amount of ego.
~Taylor Swift~ said: but this is, how should I put it, a conscious metamorphosis from being merely good to becoming the absolute best version of oneself one can possibly experience... here is an example. when you are fully awake... you are simply good or bad... you are working or idling... you are thinking or you aren't... you are brave or you aren't... personally, I find myself gravitating toward that first state more often lately, though occasionally I drift back, but when I close my eyes the psyche itself begins to process things in the most sublime way, much like a rosebud that finally unfurls and begins to bloom—it feels as if some primordial, divine spirit is stirring within me. I have closed my eyes, yet I remain wide awake; I can hear the hum of the television in the background, and then I begin to contemplate something, or perhaps I dwell in total stillness—and all of it is just... so vivid, so full of color and life, utterly inexplicable and beautiful.
You’ve already passed away, you just haven't realized it yet.🤣🤣
Alex Patel96 said:Did you mean lucid dreaming or are you just making fun of them?😂😂😂
My apologies, I completely missed that until you pointed it out... I had to laugh once I realized what happened there. It seems my sense of humor is a bit more unconscious than I’d care to admit. 😁
crimsongull4 said:Yeah, I realize how alarming those numbers look. She’s actually been trying to put some weight on, but she’s having a hell of a time making any progress. Beyond the fact that I’m not exactly looking to start a family right this second, my primary concern is her physical resilience; if we were to happen upon a pregnancy, I worry about how her body would actually hold up under that kind of strain. That’s really the core of why I’m asking...
She’ll likely gain the necessary weight once she's pregnant anyway. Ultimately, the priority should be her overall health and maintaining a regular cycle—and, of course, ensuring you're fertile. Once a pregnancy happens, it happens, whether you planned for it or not. That said, I find it genuinely difficult to wrap my head around your girlfriend being 5'4" and only weighing 86 pounds...😕😕😕
Taylor Newman5 said:And why on earth does your profile indicate that you are male?😕🤣
I found the title of that thread, "clitoral inflammation," to be somewhat dubious from the start. It really makes one wonder—is it even physiologically possible for the clitoris itself to become inflamed in such a vacuum?
Honestly, blueberry tea and basic compresses aren't going to cut it here. You might find some minor relief by brewing an oak bark tea for compresses, or perhaps applying St. John’s Wort oil several times throughout the day to soothe the area. However, you really need to schedule an appointment with your OB-GYN, because an infection like this isn't something that just clears up on its own with home remedies. It's worth reflecting on whether you've had any unprotected sexual encounters recently, as there's a real possibility you've picked up a bacterial or viral infection. You shouldn't take risks when it comes to your health.
IUDs, diaphragms, pulling out, or maybe those condoms specifically designed for sensitive skin? Believe me, it takes some time to get used to using condoms again after you’ve been on the pill, but once you find your rhythm, it becomes perfectly fine.
Here is another question from my side. I am curious about how healthy it actually is to skip that seven-day break—specifically, whether it’s alright to finish two packs of pills in a row before finally taking the pause. The thing is, my regular cycle used to last 32 days or even longer, but now that I’m on the pill, it’s down to 24 days. It feels incredibly short to me, and I just can't seem to adapt to the rhythm. To make matters worse, during that seven-day break, my acne flares up like crazy, and a 21-day cycle simply isn't long enough for my skin to clear up again.
I I have one more question. Does anyone else experience vaginal pain after intercourse due to dryness? I had sex today and everything felt wonderful at first. In fact, I actually felt quite lubricated down there, which is a massive change from when I was on birth control; back then, things felt as dry as a desert. The act itself wasn't uncomfortable, but about thirty minutes afterward, I started feeling this intense stinging and aching sensation. Eventually, I applied a little bit of St. John's Wort oil, and that finally seemed to soothe the irritation. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good lubricant? Also, how should I go about asking for one at a pharmacy? To be honest, I feel pretty self-conscious about it.
Can anyone tell me when I should actually expect my acne to start clearing up while on Diane-35? I've only just finished my first pack, and honestly, my skin looks even worse now than it did before I started the pills.
It isn’t that I’m shocked, because gynecology is just another branch of medicine like any other. However, I find myself wondering what drives a man to choose gynecology and obstetrics specifically. I realize they choose it the same way any medical student picks a specialty—out of genuine interest—but I ask because I have heard from many seasoned professionals that some men gravitate toward it simply because they find the visual aspect "exciting," particularly when a young, attractive woman walks into the clinic.
Then again, I hear others claim that some men choose this path because they possess a certain clinical detachment or "coldness." And then there is the argument that they do it out of a deep empathy for women.
For instance, I used to be quite apprehensive about male gynecologists. But after my first experience, I realized that men often have a much gentler touch, whereas many female doctors tend to be somewhat "heavy-handed"—not that female doctors aren't wonderful, of course; they are kind and professional, but their examinations can feel a bit more forceful.
What are your thoughts on this?
I have certainly found myself pondering the same thing. I remember one particular occasion when I had to see an older gentleman for an exam. Since it was my first time seeing a male doctor, I was incredibly tense, which made the procedure difficult at first. The man actually began massaging and coaxing me to relax, which honestly sent me into a bit of a panic—it was quite a shock to the system. Afterward, he started making these bizarre compliments about how my anatomy was perfectly arranged, almost poetic in its symmetry. The man was clearly enjoying his work far too much; word around town is that he’s a bit of a character.
Truthfully, I struggle to grasp the primary motivation for men entering this field. Surely there are plenty of other parts of the human body that offer equally fascinating clinical challenges? Generally, I make a point of selecting a female doctor, because when I discuss specific issues, they truly understand the physical reality of what I am describing. They've lived through it themselves. After all, what can a man really comprehend about the agony of menstrual cramps?
I started taking Diana on three days ago—well, technically it was my third day of the cycle, following a recommendation from Gin. Today, I’ve been dealing with these dull, nagging aches in my right ovary, which has actually been quite enlarged lately; there’s a scar there from a previous surgery, and it feels positioned quite low toward the uterus. Just a moment ago, while I was in the restroom, I noticed some fresh, bloody, mucus-like discharge on my underwear. I'm feeling a bit unsettled by it, so I wanted to ask: what could this possibly be? My period has already stopped.
I would personally categorize your issue as nothing more than superficial abrasions—much like those minor scratches you might get from a cat. I happen to own a cat, and my hands and forearms are perpetually covered in those tiny little scabs from our occasional skirmishes. It’s really quite trivial; it will pass on its own, and by the time summer rolls around, your skin will look as good as new 😉 Please, I implore you to stop meddling with it, as you run the genuine risk of leaving behind a permanent scar that won't be nearly as easy to remedy as this current irritation.
Nicole Parker93 said:How is this even a gynecological issue?
I believe we are currently in the "women's health" subforum rather than "gynecological issues."
I used to have a piercing. In the beginning, it’s a bit unpleasant until the hole actually stabilizes. Back at the studio, they recommended a specific disinfectant solution—I can't quite recall the brand name—along with a healing ointment. I stuck to that regimen for a few months until the piercing was fully set. For the next four years, I didn't encounter any trouble at all, though I did experience some minor soreness if I accidentally snagged it on a T-shirt or a strap.
Then, I ended up being admitted to the hospital, and the doctors were quite frantic about making me take it out, as piercings were still relatively novel back then. By the time I was discharged, the area had begun to close up, and the jewelry simply wouldn't slide back through. Now, five years later, the piercing has left a mark, but the surface has healed over. Occasionally, some sebum and debris collect there, and I have to squeeze it out like one would a pimple. Honestly, I regret losing the piercing; I never experienced any actual health complications, provided you maintain proper hygiene and keep everything clean.
On a side note, when I first got it, the post wasn't even metal; it was made of a high-quality, flexible plastic, with only the beads being metallic. Once the piercing is properly formed, you can swap out the jewelry daily just as you would with earrings.