Hormonal Contraception: The Pill [General Discussion]

I don't know... maybe it doesn't matter. People always want an answer for everything. Just talking. Thinking about how things shift... like how you think you've got a handle on a situation, then suddenly the ground just isn't there anymore. It happens. All the time. Anyway... nothing much else to say. [User provided content missing]
Here are my complaints... I’ve been on these pills for about 10 days now and my arms and legs are tingling like crazy... can't even remember if that's supposed to happen or not... 🤷

I was on the pill until three years ago... then I took a break. Now I'm back on it again, but I'm feeling a bit weird because of this tingling sensation... 😢

Well, here I am, quoting myself... just realized I actually wrote this whole thing a month ago... ☕

So, my second box of Yasmin is almost empty, and honestly, I’m feeling worse than ever... I don't even get why. I’ve been on Yasmin for nearly three years and never had an issue, but now it’s like... total discomfort. Last week I had some chest pains, and this week there's this weird dry cough that's been killing me for four days now... 😕 🤷
Is that me having a heart attack while posting on the forum? 😁

So I’ve got a bit of a situation. I was on Diane for about a year, but now my doctor switched me over to Yasmin. Basically, instead of taking a break between them, I just popped the first Yasmin pill right after finishing the last Diane, and now my period is nowhere to be found. It’s already day five of my "break" and still nothing! When am I actually supposed to expect it? :/ Is this totally normal?

So, I'm looking into birth control pills. I tried digging around online for something straightforward, but honestly, I couldn't find a single site that actually explains things clearly without being a total mess. If anyone has a decent link, I’d really appreciate it. 😁
I mean, I get the basics—how to take them, why you use them, the whole drill—but I've got a few specific things on my mind.
First off, what's the deal with weight gain and breast growth? I know it varies from person to person, but some people swear it’s basically genetic. Like, if your mom gained weight while on the pill, you're just destined for it too. Makes sense, right?
Also, can my boyfriend finish inside me if I'm on the pill? Just making sure.
And is there any truth to the idea that taking them long-term makes you infertile later on? To me, that sounds completely ridiculous.
Last thing: my gynecologist told me I absolutely cannot smoke while on them, but then I know this guy who smokes like a chimney and he's on the pill just fine. WTF?

Thanks in advance! 🙂

John Miller362 said:So, I'm looking into birth control pills. I tried digging around online for something straightforward, but honestly, I couldn't find a single site that actually explains things clearly without being a total mess. If anyone has a decent link, I’d really appreciate it. 😁
I mean, I get the basics—how to take them, why you use them, the whole drill—but I've got a few specific things on my mind.
First off, what's the deal with weight gain and breast growth? I know it varies from person to person, but some people swear it’s basically genetic. Like, if your mom gained weight while on the pill, you're just destined for it too. Makes sense, right?
Also, can my boyfriend finish inside me if I'm on the pill? Just making sure.
And is there any truth to the idea that taking them long-term makes you infertile later on? To me, that sounds completely ridiculous.
Last thing: my gynecologist told me I absolutely cannot smoke while on them, but then I know this guy who smokes like a chimney and he's on the pill just fine. WTF?

Thanks in advance! 🙂

Weight gain and breast changes are definitely different for everyone, though personally, I don't know anyone who actually put on weight from them..
And yeah, obviously he can finish inside you—that's literally why you're taking them, to stay protected..
You aren't going to become infertile either; otherwise, nobody would bother using them.
As for smoking, I think it just bumps up the risk of blood clots, but it’s not strictly "forbidden"—at least from what I've heard.

Hey ladies! 🙂

Honestly, I am on the verge of a total meltdown—nobody here seems able to answer two simple questions, and the people working in the healthcare system are so incredibly rude it’s actually terrifying. I only show up once every five years, and they can't even spare five minutes for me.

I'm not even sure if this is the right thread, but I'm hoping someone can help me out. 😢

So, my private gynecologist prescribed Yaz, but before that, obviously, I have to undergo about a hundred different tests. She gave me a list of everything required and sent me back to my primary care doctor to get the referrals.
When I got there, the nurse snapped at me—like, genuinely lost her cool—asking what I was even doing there and telling me to just go to my own gynecologist for that stuff. When I explained I use a private specialist, she basically told me to find an insurance-based doctor instead and slammed the door in my face. She even muttered something about how those things are usually handled over at the county clinic.

Now I'm just completely lost. 🙂

Does anyone know if I can actually get these tests done privately, just so I don't have to deal with these obnoxious, incompetent old ladies? And roughly how much does it cost? People keep quoting these insane numbers at me.

Also, what is the actual process for finding an insurance-covered gynecologist? Where do I even go, and what am I supposed to do? I'm seriously desperate—if these private tests are way too expensive and the wait times for the state doctors are months long, I am absolutely screwed...

Thanks in advance!

Raymond Jackson4 said:Hey ladies! 🙂

Honestly, I am on the verge of a total meltdown—nobody here seems able to answer two simple questions, and the people working in the healthcare system are so incredibly rude it’s actually terrifying. I only show up once every five years, and they can't even spare five minutes for me.

I'm not even sure if this is the right thread, but I'm hoping someone can help me out. 😢

So, my private gynecologist prescribed Yaz, but before that, obviously, I have to undergo about a hundred different tests. She gave me a list of everything required and sent me back to my primary care doctor to get the referrals.
When I got there, the nurse snapped at me—like, genuinely lost her cool—asking what I was even doing there and telling me to just go to my own gynecologist for that stuff. When I explained I use a private specialist, she basically told me to find an insurance-based doctor instead and slammed the door in my face. She even muttered something about how those things are usually handled over at the county clinic.

Now I'm just completely lost. 🙂

Does anyone know if I can actually get these tests done privately, just so I don't have to deal with these obnoxious, incompetent old ladies? And roughly how much does it cost? People keep quoting these insane numbers at me.

Also, what is the actual process for finding an insurance-covered gynecologist? Where do I even go, and what am I supposed to do? I'm seriously desperate—if these private tests are way too expensive and the wait times for the state doctors are months long, I am absolutely screwed...

Thanks in advance!

Of course you can do them privately, but be prepared—the price tag might sting a bit. For my first time, I just did bloodwork privately and paid about $133, but the best part was getting the results the same day. As for my insurance doctor, I had a transvaginal ultrasound because she couldn't prescribe the pills without it, but I did my Pap smear separately and didn't necessarily need those results immediately to start the meds.

You basically find an insurance provider you actually want to see, check if they're accepting new patients, and if they are, they'll give you some paperwork to take to the insurance office for approval. Once that's cleared, you bring it back to the doctor. From what I remember, you shouldn't have to wait forever for the appointment itself.

Raymond Jackson4 said:Hey ladies! 🙂

Honestly, I am on the verge of a total meltdown—nobody here seems able to answer two simple questions, and the people working in the healthcare system are so incredibly rude it’s actually terrifying. I only show up once every five years, and they can't even spare five minutes for me.

I'm not even sure if this is the right thread, but I'm hoping someone can help me out. 😢

So, my private gynecologist prescribed Yaz, but before that, obviously, I have to undergo about a hundred different tests. She gave me a list of everything required and sent me back to my primary care doctor to get the referrals.
When I got there, the nurse snapped at me—like, genuinely lost her cool—asking what I was even doing there and telling me to just go to my own gynecologist for that stuff. When I explained I use a private specialist, she basically told me to find an insurance-based doctor instead and slammed the door in my face. She even muttered something about how those things are usually handled over at the county clinic.

Now I'm just completely lost. 🙂

Does anyone know if I can actually get these tests done privately, just so I don't have to deal with these obnoxious, incompetent old ladies? And roughly how much does it cost? People keep quoting these insane numbers at me.

Also, what is the actual process for finding an insurance-covered gynecologist? Where do I even go, and what am I supposed to do? I'm seriously desperate—if these private tests are way too expensive and the wait times for the state doctors are months long, I am absolutely screwed...

Thanks in advance!

I looked for my own gyno once for four different swabs, and I ended up going to the Johns Hopkins clinic. My doctor is part of the public system, so to speak. I didn't have to pay anything for the tests because thank God I have supplemental insurance, since those swabs really add up. I don't know the exact price, though, because that was ages ago. As for going private, I wouldn't know how that works. I used to see a private gynecologist myself, but I switched to my mom's doctor mostly because of the costs. My mom's doctor only took me on as an exception because my mom is a patient and she handled both my sister's and my pregnancies. Normally, she won't take on any new patients at all. A friend of mine asked for a public gynecologist a year or two ago and the only guy she could find was somewhere near downtown. Nobody else would take her. Maybe try Googling a bit or check this forum to see where there are openings in the public clinics. Good luck! 🙂

Hey Lehane, you'll need blood work, an ultrasound, and a Pap smear for the pills. You can handle all that either privately or through your insurance. Those four swabs aren't actually required for the prescription itself.
Just so you know, you won't have to run all over town. If you're not in a huge rush, the best move is to get on the list and have your OB-GYN give you the referral for blood work—you just go to your primary care doctor for the draw, then pick up the results at the specialist's office the same day. As for the Pap, you do that with the gynecologist; even if they prescribe the pills before the results are back, it’ll be ready in about two weeks—the main thing is just getting the screening done so you have the paperwork on file. You should probably do the ultrasound with your regular doctor too, since most of them have the equipment right there, unless you want to wander around looking for a clinic—though keep in mind there might be a fee for the scan. Honestly, I never know how the billing works; the first time it cost me $17, the second time was 20 bucks, and the third time 😕.

Thanks for all the replies, ladies—you guys are honestly so sweet 🙂

I mean, what kind of nonsense is this? All I need are referrals for liver panels, blood work, and urine tests. Instead, they’re making me go through some whole process with my insurance provider just so they can "approve" the orders, and then I have to head right back to my primary care doctor 😲
What a total joke!
They’re constantly whining about being overbooked—look, I have my own private OBGYN, I just need the actual referrals, yet they’re putting on this entire circus! You wouldn't believe it! 🙂

I was thinking I’d shell out maybe $100 for those tests privately, but now I’m seeing the total is way, way higher 😢

Raymond Jackson4 said:Thanks for all the replies, ladies—you guys are honestly so sweet 🙂

I mean, what kind of nonsense is this? All I need are referrals for liver panels, blood work, and urine tests. Instead, they’re making me go through some whole process with my insurance provider just so they can "approve" the orders, and then I have to head right back to my primary care doctor 😲
What a total joke!
They’re constantly whining about being overbooked—look, I have my own private OBGYN, I just need the actual referrals, yet they’re putting on this entire circus! You wouldn't believe it! 🙂

I was thinking I’d shell out maybe $100 for those tests privately, but now I’m seeing the total is way, way higher 😢

Look, they probably told you to register with an OBGYN under your insurance so you wouldn't have to pay out of pocket.
And honestly, I don't think a private doctor can just hand over prescriptions based solely on liver tests 😕.
When I went, they drew three or four vials of blood and checked way more than just my liver function—though, since it was my first time going private, maybe the doc ordered everything extra just because the lab was right there in his office
. But still, when I went back for follow-ups, they had to draw more blood and run more than just the liver panel again
. Plus, my OBGYN told me she couldn't prescribe certain meds without a transvaginal ultrasound, and that while I didn't necessarily need a Pap smear right then, I did need to make sure the results from my last one were in
. I paid $17 for that ultrasound, and I bet things cost even more at a private clinic—especially if you need a Pap too. By the time you factor in the full exam, the bill is gonna be pretty steep
. If you have the time, I'd say just go through the public system. Besides, you'll end up needing follow-ups later anyway, and you'll be repeating all these tests regardless
.

How long do I actually have to pick up my pills after the doctor writes the prescription? I haven't made it to the pharmacy yet—she gave me the script ten days ago. Now I'm starting to panic that it might expire.

Brandon Ward said:How long do I actually have to pick up my pills after the doctor writes the prescription? I haven't made it to the pharmacy yet—she gave me the script ten days ago. Now I'm starting to panic that it might expire.

Usually, those scripts are good for six months—basically enough for six packs.
Once it expires, they won't give you anything else, even if you only picked up one of the six packs. Also, just a heads-up—if you go ahead and buy all six at once, the pharmacist will note that on the back, and you won't be able to use that same script again until the time is up.

Chloe Gray5 said:Look, they probably told you to register with an OBGYN under your insurance so you wouldn't have to pay out of pocket.
And honestly, I don't think a private doctor can just hand over prescriptions based solely on liver tests 😕.
When I went, they drew three or four vials of blood and checked way more than just my liver function—though, since it was my first time going private, maybe the doc ordered everything extra just because the lab was right there in his office
. But still, when I went back for follow-ups, they had to draw more blood and run more than just the liver panel again
. Plus, my OBGYN told me she couldn't prescribe certain meds without a transvaginal ultrasound, and that while I didn't necessarily need a Pap smear right then, I did need to make sure the results from my last one were in
. I paid $17 for that ultrasound, and I bet things cost even more at a private clinic—especially if you need a Pap too. By the time you factor in the full exam, the bill is gonna be pretty steep
. If you have the time, I'd say just go through the public system. Besides, you'll end up needing follow-ups later anyway, and you'll be repeating all these tests regardless
.

Well, I went ahead and did all my testing privately—now I just need those damn referrals, and I need them URGENTLY.

Regarding the tests... unfortunately, in the US, most doctors prescribe these pills like they're Tic Tacs. I'm actually relieved mine sent me for testing at all. My friends were practically dying laughing that I was going in for these exams—one of them even offered to give me her own prescription.
People are such ignoramuses... and when they end up having ten miscarriages down the road, they'll find someone else to blame. 🙄

Raymond Jackson4 said:Well, I went ahead and did all my testing privately—now I just need those damn referrals, and I need them URGENTLY.

Regarding the tests... unfortunately, in the US, most doctors prescribe these pills like they're Tic Tacs. I'm actually relieved mine sent me for testing at all. My friends were practically dying laughing that I was going in for these exams—one of them even offered to give me her own prescription.
People are such ignoramuses... and when they end up having ten miscarriages down the road, they'll find someone else to blame. 🙄

Oh, I totally misread you—I thought you hadn't done anything yet and were just stuck waiting on liver panels.
I really hope your friend got her tests done.
Sadly, you meet all kinds... my mom was taking pills back when she hit menopause, and when she asked her OB for some testing, he told her it wasn't necessary. Fast forward five years without a single checkup, and she finds out she has a massive blood clot. Luckily, everything turned out okay.
That's why you have to take charge of your own health—even if your doctor is being lazy—and insist on getting checked.

Chloe Gray5 said:Usually, those scripts are good for six months—basically enough for six packs.
Once it expires, they won't give you anything else, even if you only picked up one of the six packs. Also, just a heads-up—if you go ahead and buy all six at once, the pharmacist will note that on the back, and you won't be able to use that same script again until the time is up.

So, it doesn't matter when I pick up the first pack?

Brandon Ward said:So, it doesn't matter when I pick up the first pack?

Nah, doesn't really matter—but since you’re gonna be starting later anyway, just make sure you grab all six before the recipe expires.

Has anyone else noticed how impossible it is to lose weight while on these pills? Like, seriously. I’m eating super clean—not even hitting a huge calorie count—and I’m absolutely crushing it at the gym, burning tons of calories... but the scale just won't budge. It's maddening.

Chloe Gray5 said:Nah, doesn't really matter—but since you’re gonna be starting later anyway, just make sure you grab all six before the recipe expires.

Thanks, 🙂

northernlynx36 said:Has anyone else noticed how impossible it is to lose weight while on these pills? Like, seriously. I’m eating super clean—not even hitting a huge calorie count—and I’m absolutely crushing it at the gym, burning tons of calories... but the scale just won't budge. It's maddening.

Maybe you're just not doing it quite right?
You still gotta give your body enough fuel to actually function and power through those workouts—basically, you need a deficit, but you can't starve yourself. If you're eating clean and staying active, there's really no reason the weight wouldn't drop.
I personally dropped 22 lbs while taking them, and honestly, I'm still on them.

If you're seriously stuck, though—go get your hormones checked, especially your thyroid. That might be the real culprit.

So, after years of being on the pill, I’ve officially lost all track of what day it even is. 🙂

Basically, I extended my last pack by seven days because I didn't want to deal with anything while I was away on vacation—so instead of the usual 21 days, I took them for 28. Everything seemed fine, and my break started, but then I messed up—instead of taking the first pill of the new pack on Friday, I stupidly took it on Thursday.
Now my whole rhythm is totally thrown off—first pill on Friday, last pill on Thursday, and my period starts Monday.

I was thinking about just taking 22 pills this cycle instead of 21 to try and reset back to my old schedule, but I'm worried—is that too much messing around with my hormones in just two months? 🙂
Or should I just let things stay as they are for a few months, and then eventually switch it up by taking 22 instead of 21 to extend the cycle by a day?

The instructions say you can extend the active days (just not shorten them), and you can shorten the break (just not extend it)—so technically I haven't "broken the rules," I'm just shifting everything around quite a bit at once. 😵

Any advice?