Hormonal Contraception: The Pill [General Discussion]

As for why she asked... I was simply sharing my own experiences...

And obviously, it’s only natural that her gynecologist would offer advice...

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. 🙂

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?

so what, you got nothing to say?

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.

So, following my own weird logic—which probably isn't medical advice by any means—I’d say there’s no need to freak out. I did finish up those antibiotics right during that 7-day break... anyway, I’m heading to the dentist tomorrow, so I'll just ask them directly and see what they think.

Hey guys, I need some advice... I totally blanked on taking my pill yesterday and just realized it now while grabbing today's dose... I still have 5 pills left from the pack... what should I do about this one "extra" pill?

It's Logest.
I don't have the instructions because I tossed the box.

slybadger22 said:Hey guys, I need some advice... I totally blanked on taking my pill yesterday and just realized it now while grabbing today's dose... I still have 5 pills left from the pack... what should I do about this one "extra" pill?

It's Logest.
I don't have the instructions because I tossed the box.

If you miss a pill, you’re usually supposed to take it within 12 hours of your usual time—but if that 12-hour window has already passed, just skip the missed one and carry on with your regular schedule.
I think that’s what the manual said back when I was on Diane-35, but honestly, that was years ago so if my memory isn't failing me...😕

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. 😉

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?

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?

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.😕

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.👍

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?

I am quite certain your gynecologist would suggest a more streamlined approach—just handle it within a single pack. Essentially, you can either stop taking them eight days early, or simply start your next pack immediately to ensure you finish it before the end of the month. Mathematically, the result is virtually identical. 😁 Though, I suppose, I cannot be absolutely certain, but I suspect that in the second scenario, the contraceptive effectiveness remains much more reliable.
However, do not attempt any adjustments until you have consulted with your doctor! 🙂
Best of luck!

Thomas Roberts9 said: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’m not exactly itching to make a trip to the OB-GYN right now, which is precisely why I’m asking here. I picked up a new pack of Logest today and spent my afternoon obsessing over the fine print. According to the instructions, if I miss a dose and it’s been more than 12 hours, I should just take it the second I remember. Honestly, I’m not even worried about pregnancy protection at this exact moment—that becomes a much bigger deal later on—but I just want to get this right. 😉 Look, it’s vital that I get this right—specifically, that I start the next pack immediately after finishing this one. And why on earth are you suggesting I should use extra protection alongside my pills next month?😕

So... I'm in a serious relationship now and I've been thinking about starting birth control.
I wanted to ask those of you who have been on them forever, or even just started—do they actually cause damage?
Are there any real downsides (side effects), and what about the perks, like shorter or lighter periods?
And is it true that after using them for a few months your breasts get a bit bigger or you put on weight?
Is it actually reliable protection...?
Any real advice would be huge, please help me out and let me know everything you guys know about them! 😕

quietmason45 said:So... I'm in a serious relationship now and I've been thinking about starting birth control.
I wanted to ask those of you who have been on them forever, or even just started—do they actually cause damage?
Are there any real downsides (side effects), and what about the perks, like shorter or lighter periods?
And is it true that after using them for a few months your breasts get a bit bigger or you put on weight?
Is it actually reliable protection...?
Any real advice would be huge, please help me out and let me know everything you guys know about them! 😕

Look, you need to be asking your gynecologist these questions, not an internet forum.

Every woman is different when it comes to contraception—whether you're even a good candidate for the pill, or which specific brand might work, is something only a doctor can determine after running the necessary tests. Even if all your blood work and liver panels come back perfect, that doesn't mean you're totally out of the woods... there's always a risk involved.

You’ve definitely got a ton of threads about birth control here, but let me give you the quick rundown of my own experience;

I was really hesitant at first... I had all these ideas that they'd make me gain weight, or that the hormones were just nasty, or that I'd end up with facial hair and stuff... honestly, most of those fears are total nonsense. I've been on them for four years now and

- My complexion is great (and zero breakouts, just totally clear and even)
- My hair isn't oily like it used to be, and it stopped falling out!
- My skin feels smooth
- They actually treat ovarian cysts
- Body hair has thinned out, and I don't have that fuzz above my lip anymore
- The protection is reliable, so pregnancy isn't a constant worry
- Periods are way shorter (used to be 7 days, now they're 4)
- No more intense PMS cramps like I used to get
- I know exactly which day my period is coming (which is a lifesaver for planning things)...

As for side effects, I don't have any anymore. I had some during the first two months, which is exactly why so many women quit—if you want to know more about that, I can write it out for you...
I'm sure you've heard some horror stories, so I'd suggest checking out this site; Dr. Miller is a legitimate expert in this field;

http://www.cybermed.com/index.php/pbl...jskim_pilulama

Basically, birth control protects your reproductive health, and if you're thinking about having kids someday, I'd recommend staying on them.

The stuff you hear about side effects usually only applies to the first 2 or 3 months of use, and the whole weight gain thing isn't actually caused by the pills themselves... what happens is your appetite might increase, so you end up gaining weight, but that hunger spike is also just a temporary side effect. If you notice you're snacking more than usual, just keep it in check and you'll be fine...

quietmason45 said:So... I'm in a serious relationship now and I've been thinking about starting birth control.
I wanted to ask those of you who have been on them forever, or even just started—do they actually cause damage?
Are there any real downsides (side effects), and what about the perks, like shorter or lighter periods?
And is it true that after using them for a few months your breasts get a bit bigger or you put on weight?
Is it actually reliable protection...?
Any real advice would be huge, please help me out and let me know everything you guys know about them! 😕

Well, let me tell you what someone once told me about the side effects—if I’d known all that back then, I never would have touched them.
For me, my period went from lasting seven days down to three, and even after I stopped taking them—which was a few years ago—it stayed that way.
Then there's the hormonal disruption—honestly, before you even think about touching the pill, you should probably get your hormone levels checked first, just to see if everything is balanced... something our "expert" doctors always seem to overlook.
On top of that, I started feeling nauseous and dealing with vomiting and whatnot, so I finally just quit.
And frankly, you still need to use condoms for your own sake—to avoid catching something like HPV or chlamydia.
Plus, once I stopped, my cycle was completely thrown off, even though it used to be perfectly regular before.

Doctors here tend to push the pill a little too easily—mostly because they figure it's better to have young women on medication than to deal with the fallout of an unplanned pregnancy.

The previous post outlines all the potential benefits of these pills.
I would personally add a list of side effects I experienced firsthand; though, mind you, this isn't a universal rule, as every woman reacts differently to hormonal shifts.
I originally started taking them to deal with acne, but later discovered they had actually cleared up a large ovarian cyst I was dealing with.
The common side effects—things like breast tenderness, bloating, and weight gain—only plagued me during those first few months, and after that, I actually felt quite wonderful for a while. However, as my usage became more frequent, things took a turn for the worse. I began feeling an overwhelming, sudden fatigue; I slipped into bouts of depression, my vision started to blur, and I developed cellulite that I’d never struggled with before. The weight just seemed to cling to me, and I barely survived the summer because I found myself avoiding the sun at all costs. On top of that, I ended up with kidney stones—nothing was ever definitively linked to the medication, but it certainly couldn't be ruled out—my liver enzymes spiked, and my blood work looked absolutely catastrophic. To make matters worse, I dealt with extreme vaginal dryness, which made intimacy incredibly painful, and my libido seemed to dwindle with every single new pack I opened. By the end, even contraception wasn't really necessary because I was increasingly avoiding sex altogether.
I ultimately had to stop taking them just to protect my own health. I had read somewhere that once you stop, the very issues you were prescribed the pills for tend to resurface quite rapidly. Fortunately, my acne didn't return with the same intensity as before, but I did deal with unwanted hair growth above my upper lip, along with terrible hair loss and excessive oiliness.

Ultimately, if you decide to start this regimen, you have to go into it knowing there will come a day when you want to quit for one reason or another—and when that day comes, you need to be prepared for the fallout.
So, if you don't truly have an urgent necessity to take them, it might be better to just skip it entirely.