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Questions and Answers: Birth Control
- The Pill
[General
Birth Control | The Pill | Depo
Provera | NuvaRing |
Lunelle | Ortho-Evra]
I didn't start
the pill when my period started and I'm at the end of my pill
pack and I haven't gotten my period yet. Is this OK?
I used the pill to
skip my period, and now I'm spotting. Is this normal?
If I take my first pill a day early
after the "off" week, could I get pregnant?
Am I more likely to get pregnant during
the inactive week of pills?
Can I get pregnant if I have sex during the
week I take inactive pills?
I started on the pill and now my period
is irregular. Why?
I missed two pills and I'm spotting. Should
I be worried?
Am I supposed to get my period on
Seasonale?
If I forget to take some of my pills,
does it affect my period?
If I start my Sunday pack on a Monday,
could I get pregnant?
Can I still have sex while taking the
"reminder" pills?
Is it healthy to continually start and stop
my pills?
I skipped my period with pills
last month, but I'm not getting it now. Why?
My period comes the first week of my pills.
Is this normal?
How soon after starting the pill can I
have unprotected sex?
Is there any way to safely change
the time that I take my pill?
What are the risks of mixing alcohol and
Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo?
If I forgot my pill yesterday and had
sex today, could I be pregnant?
How old do you have to be to take Seasonale?
I just started Seasonale. I have 3 reminder
pills left but no period. Why?
I've been on Seasonale for 4 days, and I had
sex. Could I be pregnant?
I've been on antibiotics and I had light
spotting. Are my pills still ineffective?
I'm having a thick brown discharge
with Seasonale. Is this normal?
Seasonale instructions say I should
stop for a week. Should I?
I've been on the pill 4 months.
I'm only spotting with no period. Is this normal?
I've been on the pill 2 years. Is my
period getting shorter, or am I pregnant?
I've been on the pill 3 years. My period
was a week early. Is this normal?
If I stop the pills in the middle of my
cycle, will my period come?
I stopped my pills on the 15th. It's been
3 days with no period. Why?
What does it mean if your period doesn't
come during the reminder pills week?
Went off the pill. Test was negative, but
I'm having pregnancy symptoms. Why?
Is it normal to get my period while
I'm on the pill?
If I'm on the pill, will I get pregnant
if he ejaculates inside me?
Do I need a doctor's appointment to get
birth control?
Where can I get birth control on campus?
I took my pills every day, but at different
times. Are they still as effective?
If I go on the pill after unprotected
sex, will it prevent pregnancy?
How would I know if I was going through
menopause while on the pill?
Where can I get birth control?
I had to skip a week of the pill. Can
I start my pack a week late?
QUESTION: I got
my period on feb.23 and 1 week later i went to the doctor to
get pills for the first time. i had to start the pills 2 weeks
after i got my period when it's supposed to be the sunday after.
it's alreay marck 30 so im 8 days late and tooday i take my
4th green pill but i haven;t gotten my period. i've had sex
but my boyfriend has pulled out... can i be pregnant or do the
pills regulate my period? (April 18, 2005)
ANSWER: Oral contraceptives prevent pregnancy by inhibiting
the monthly release of the "egg" from the ovaries.
Oral contraceptives are almost 100% effective when taken correctly
(If you miss your pills or forget to take them at the same time
each day, the effectiveness is reduced).
It is recommended that women who are just beginning to use the
pill use a second form of contraception the first seven days
of the first cycle. If you were sexually active within the first
7 days of taking the pill, or you have taken pills late or missed
them completely, pregnancy is a possibility. If you think you
might be pregnant, it is recommended that you take a pregnancy
test. For more information on how pregnancy occurs, please see
our Pregnancy FAQ.
QUESTION: i started
my birth control about 4 months ago and for the first time i
decided that i would skip my period. im on ortho-cyclen so after
finishing my blue pills i just skipped my unactive green pills
then started a new pack of pills..i didnt have my period and
i thought everything was going ok well a couple days later i
started spotting and i have been for the last 5 days on the
new blue pills..i wanted to know if this is normal..like does
skipping periods not work on every one or do i need to see my
gyno..im just worried..i wanted to know how long this spotting
will continue..i heard it could last up to 2 weeks or until
my next period. (March 29, 2005)
ANSWER: Many women use birth control pills continuously
to supress menstruation; for some women who do this spotting
or 'breakthrough bleeding' is a common side effect. It is recommended
that women wishing to supress their menstrual cycle speak with
their clinician before attempting to do so. If you are concerned
about the spotting you are having it is recommended you speak
with your clinician.
QUESTION: i have
taken the contraceptive pill 1 day too early after my week off,
and have had unprotected sex. Is there a chance i could be pregnant?
(March 18, 2005)
ANSWER: If you began taking the pill before your normal
start day, continue taking the pill. It is better to begin taking
the pill too early, instead of too late. Being late starting
your next pack will lengthen the time off the active pills.
Lengthening this pill-free interval can allow your body to ovulate.
Remember, it is important that you take the pill at the same
time each day for maximum effectiveness. Additionally, it is
important to remember that the pill does not protect against
sexually transmitted infections (STIs); using a barrier method,
such as a condom, can help protect against STIs.
If you are concerned about being pregnant it is recommended
that you take a pregnancy test. For more information about how
pregnancy occurs and how to lower your risk of becoming pregnant,
please visit our Pregnancy FAQ.
QUESTION: During the
week that I am taking the sugar pill am I more prone to pregnancy
than the week that I am taking the pill? (March 8, 2005)
ANSWER: Taking oral contraceptives (aka the Pill) stops
the process of ovulation (release of an egg), which is necessary
in order to become pregnant. If the Pill is taken correctly,
is is approximately 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Missing
pills or taking pills at inconsistent times can reduce the effectiveness.
QUESTION: I got my period
(slight flow) one week before finishing my pills to the "sugar"
week. My period stopped Wednesday of the sugar pill week. I
had sex (unprotected) Thursday and Friday. I start back up on
the pill on Sunday. Have I had sex during a time I am prone
to get pregnant? I'm really worried. Should I ask my doctor
for the night after pg drug? (February 28, 2005)
ANSWER: Please see the Pregnancy
FAQ for answers to your pregnancy question.
QUESTION: i started
taking orthotri-cyclen lo january 16 (period started the 12th,
sunday starter) and january 27th i started my period again 17
days early. today i am still on my period 9 days later and it
is medium to heavy flow. is this normal when first starting
the pill? i'd ask my dr. but she is hard to get a hold of. Before
i started they were 3-4 days long and painless. now i have cramps
with it? (February 8, 2005)
ANSWER: It may take some time before your body adjusts to
taking an oral contraceptive. Birth control pills introduce
synthetic hormones into your body; the level of hormones in
your pill may be more or less than what your body was producing
before you started taking the pill, which may cause your body
to react in different ways. Breakthrough bleeding, which is
spotting or irregular bleeding between periods, is common in
women in the first one to three months after starting oral contraceptives.
If you are experiencing breakthrough bleeding after the third
month of taking birth control pills, it is recommended you see
your clinician. It is important to remember to take your pill
at the same time each day; failing to do so could cause irregular
bleeding or spotting. Additionally, if you are concerned about
bleeding between periods, it is recommended you speak with your
clinician.
QUESTION: I had my wisdom
teeth removed and forgot to take my pills for two days. The
pack said to take two pills the day i remember, two pill the
next day and then continue as normal. I did that but i have
had a lot of spotting and cramps like i have my period. Is that
normal? When should it stop? I'm a little worried. (February
1, 2005)
ANSWER: Missing pills can cause spotting and cramping;
each woman's body is different so missing pills affects each
woman differently. It is difficult to say when your cycle will
return to 'normal', but it is important to follow the instructions
included with your pills in the event that you miss more pills.
QUESTION: i began
taking seasonale for the first time three months ago this is
my first time im supposed to get my period on it and i havent
gotten it yet i took the first white pill over 24 hours ago
and now i have taken my second white pill how long will it take
before i get my period (November 30, 2004)
ANSWER: Usually it takes a day or two for women to
start menstruating after ending their active birth control pills.
However, many of the women who take Seasonale have either very
light periods, usually lasting only a couple of days during
their week of placebo pills, or no periods at all. If you are
concerned about your menstrual cycle, it is recommended you
speak with your clinician.
QUESTION: This
month I forgot to take about 3 of my birth control pills. My
period started on a Sunday which is normal but ended on Tuesday.
My period was very, very light, almost not even there. This
is unusual because my period usually last 5 days and are very
heavy. Do you know what could have caused my period to be like
this? Could it be the fact that I forget to take some of my
pills this month? (November 16, 2004)
ANSWER: Missing pills can significantly decrease the
effectiveness of oral contraceptives, making pregnancy among
sexually active users a greater possibility. However, missing
pills can also alter one's menstrual cycle. Periods may be heavier,
lighter, early or late, depending on the number of pills missed.
For the highest level of effectiveness, it is recommended you
take your pill at the same time each day. Additionally, if you
miss a pill, follow the instructions in your pill pack to see
what action you should take.
QUESTION:
I'm a Sunday starter and misplaced my pill and didn't take any
on Sunday. I began taking them on Monday and had sex a week
later. Can I get pregnant? (November 2, 2004)
ANSWER: It is important to follow the directions on
the pill pack inserts on how to take your pills in these circumstances
and if a back up method is recommended. You can also check out
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/bc/pill_schedule.html
as it is very dependent on the type of pill you use.
Using a backup method consistently and correctly, like latex/polyurethane
condoms, will decrease the chance of an unplanned pregnancy
as well as decrease the transmission of some sexually transmitted
infections like chlamydia, HIV, and others.
QUESTION:
estrostep fe 28 pill pak: the fourth week of pills are "reminder"
pill??? if i have sex on the fourth week do i need to use extra
contraception or is still considered birth control?
(October 26, 2004)
ANSWER: The "reminder" pills in Estrostep-FE
do not contain hormones and are there so you have a period as
well as a "reminder" to continue to take your pills,
when to start your next pack, and some "reminder"
pills have iron or other vitamins in them. Although there are
no hormones in the "reminder" pills the effectiveness
of the pill pack does not decrease during this week, but using
a backup method with any contraception can reduce the chances
of an unplanned pregnancy even more.
It's important to note that some pill packs do not
have "reminder" pills and some pill packs, mainly
progestin-only pills, have "reminder" pills but these
do have hormones. Therefore it is important to know what type
of pill you're on as well as to follow the directions your clinician
has told you on how to take the pills.
If you have questions about your pill pack or more on birth
control in general please check www.plannedparenthood.org
and/or talk to your clinician.
QUESTION: I have been on
Ortho Try Cyclen for almost 4 years now and never had a problem.
Recently, I was suppose to start the 1st white active pill on
Friday. Becuase of not having the perscription in time, I couldn't
start until Monday night. So the DR said just to use a back
up plan for birth control. But I ended up getting mix up and
after taking only 5 of the white active pills I missed two pills.
I then decided to not finish the pack of pills and went off
them Tuesday b/c I can't double up for two days. For I will
vomit and get very nausea. But today Friday I started bleeding.
Heavily as if I started menstrualing again (I just got over
my period last week) Its heavy but different than a regular
period. I was wondering if I should stay off the pills for a
few months and let my body readjust, or when should I start
taking the pills again? The sunday after this so called period,
even though I just started taking the active pills last monday.
(If it is a period! or if its just bleeding) Or should I wait
a following month for a regual period and start then.
So basically my question is it safe to do what I'm doing, (going
off and then back on the pills) And is this bleeding considerd
a period, and how long typically will it last)? and when should
I start the pills if I should at all? My system is all messed
up and I need help. (October 15, 2004)
ANSWER: It is recommended you discuss your birth control
with your clinician. It is not recommended you begin your current
pack of pills or a new pack of pills until you talk with your
clinician. In the meantime, it is recommended you use another
non hormonal birth control method such as condoms.
QUESTION: I am
currently taking Alesse and have been doing so for a year now.
I have always had my period on time, or even 3 or 4 days early
(before I take my reminder pills). For the past two months I
didn't take my sugar pills and went right to the next pack to
skip my period..... That was the first time I have ever done
that. This month I took my pills as normal *with reminder pills*
and did not get my period. I am very good about taking my pills
every day and at the same time each day. I am switching to Mircette
this up comming month, and I was wondering if I should start
the pack as usual, or if I should wait a month or so to see
if my period comes. I took a pregnancy test and it came out
negative.... however, i was just wondering why it didn't come-
and if it has anything to do with the fact that I "re-regulated"
my period. Also, i didn't know if i had to wait for all the
hormones to come out before my period would come. I'm just worried
if I start Mircette without getting my period that I won't get
it next month either. (September 24, 2004)
ANSWER: Using your pills continuously stops your period
by not allowing withdrawal from hormones. It is possible that
the level of hormones in your body is higher than necessary
to promote menstruation, which may be causing your delayed period.
It is recommended that you speak with your clinician before
beginning your new pill; s/he would be able to make a recommendation
to you about when to start your next pill pack, based on his
or her familiarity with your body and health status.
QUESTION:
I have been on the pill for about a year now. When my doctor
first prescribed it to me I used it exactly how she instructed.
For some reason though, ever since i have started taking it,
my periods never come during the blank pills. They always come
in the first week of a new pack of pills. I have tried to talk
to my doctor about this but she is not very helpful or informative.
Is it possible you can help? (August 11, 2004)
ANSWER: There are a number of different types of pills
including one's with "sugar"pills and one's without.
It would depend on which pills you are taking, but by your question
it sounds like the pill pack you are taking may have what you
call blank pills. After speaking with the UIC Family Medicine
Clinic, they recommend that if you are not having your periods
at the right phase of your cycle then you may want to see another
clinician in the same practice if your current clinician is
not being helpful, as you may need a different type/dose of
pills.
If you are a UIC student, you are able to use the UIC Family
Medicine Clinic as certain services including a GYN exam are
free as well as reduced prices on some birth control pills.
To schedule an appointment please call 312/996.2901. If you
are not a UIC student, it would be recommended you see a clinician
that would be helpful and informative with your questions.
QUESTION: exactly one week
after I started taking birth control for the first time, my
partner ejaculated into me. how soon does the pill take effect?
am i at risk? (August 3, 2004)
ANSWER: It depends on which method or pill you are
taking. Some methods it states to use a backup method, such
as a condom, for 1 week after beginning the method, but others
recommend using a backup method for 1 month after starting it.
So, it would depend on the method you are on. If you read the
insert that came with the pill package it usually tells you
somewhere in there the answer to your question.
Now, if the encounter happened less than 72 hours ago,
you do have the option of taking emergency contraception (EC).
To find out more about EC, please see our ECP
FAQ. If it has been longer than 72 hours then you can take
a pregnancy test on the first day of a missed period (if you
miss your period) to see if pregnancy was the result of this
encounter. If you have additional questions on pregnancy, please
see our "Pregnancy FAQ."
QUESTION: I have been
on Ortho Lo for a month now and my daily schedule is going to
change soon. Is there a way that I can safely change the time
of day that I take the pill? I take it around 10:30 am and I
want to take it around 7:30 am. (July 27, 2004)
ANSWER: The best way to go about switching the time
you take your pill would be to wait until the start of a new
pill pack, and begin taking the new pack of pills at the desired
time.
Some women may experience spotting when they change
the time they take their pills. It may take up to two weeks
for your body to equilibrate to the new pill taking time.
QUESTION: What are the
effects or risks of mixing alcohol with Ortho Tri-cyclen Lo?
(July 27, 2004)
ANSWER: Drinking alcohol does not affect the effectiveness
of the birth control pill. However, if a woman has too much
to drink and throws up within a few hours of taking the Pill,
it may affect the effectiveness of it.
It is important to note that mixing sex with alcohol
or other drugs may increase the chances of unintended pregnancy
and exposure to sexually transmitted infections; if a person
has sex when she or he is under the influence of alcohol and/or
other drugs, that person is much less likely to be thinking
clearly enough to use condoms, use them correctly, or practice
other kinds of safer sex.
QUESTION: I take a birth control,
but forgot to take it yesterday. Today I had unprotected sex,
but he pulled out. I realized an hour later that I forgot to
take the pill. Could I still be pregnant? (July 20,
2004)
ANSWER: All birth control pill come with an instruction
sheet; this is found in every pack of pills. The instruction
sheet tells the user what to do should she miss a pill. Most
pill users are instructed to take the missed pill as soon as
you remember and take your next pill at your usual time. This
may mean taking two pills in one day. Depending on how many
pills were missed, back up protection is sometimes recommended;
however, it is important that you read the instructions enclosed
in your pill pack to determine what you should do.
If you have additional questions, it is recommended
that you speak to your clinician. For other pregnancy-related
questions, please see our pregnancy FAQ link.
QUESTION: Umm... I'm
thirteen and i was wondering do how old do you have to be to
use the new Seasonale birth control pill? (July 8, 2004)
ANSWER: Being sexually active is an important decision
and it is recommended you talk with your guardians about sex,
relationships, birth control and sexually transmitted infections
(STI's) if possible. Planned Parenthood is a great (and reliable)
resource to learn more information on these topic as well (www.plannedparenthood.org).
Seasonale is a fairly new birth control method on the
market and has been tested in women of reproductive age. It
is expected to be safe and effective in users under age 16 as
well, but, again, it hasn't been tested in adolescent girls.
Birth control pills are not 100% effective at preventing unplanned
pregnancies, but will reduce the chance of pregnancy if used
correctly. Birth control pills do not protect you from transmitting/contracting
an STI, some of which are lifelong (HIV, genital warts, herpes,
and hepatitis B) and some are curable if treated (gonorrhea,
chlamydia, syphilis, pubic lice, etc.).
It is important to know as much as possible so you can make
an informed decision about being sexually active and again,
it would be recommended you discuss this with your guardians
as well.
QUESTION: I have
taken seasonale for the first time and its time for me to take
the reminding pills and start my period but haven't I have 3
sugar pills left and still no period what could be wrong?
(July 6, 2004)
ANSWER: According to the SEASONALE website,
it is a method of birth control that extends they cycle to where
women may only get 4 periods per year, although some side effects
can be spotting in between periods. It works like a 28-day birth
control pill and is just as effective at reducing the chances
of an unplanned pregnancy. SEASONALE also recommends women use
an additional method of birth control, such as condoms, for
at least the first 7 days of use.
The only way to find out for sure if you are pregnant
or not is to take a pregnancy test. To find Chicagoland locations
offering pregnancy test, please visit our website
and click on the "STI/HIV and Pregnancy Testing Contacts".
If you have any clinical questions regarding birth control methods,
please see your clinician.
QUESTION: I've been on
Seasonale for about 4 days now. My boyfriend and I had sex.
I really don't want to get pregnant. We DIDNT use a condom,
and he took his penis out before he ejaculated. But some of
the ejaculation got on my leg when i was still naked. There
was a lot of ejaculation. Can I be pregnant? (June 24,
2004)
ANSWER: Seasonale is fairly new on the market and they
recommend women using it continue to use another method of birth
control (i.e. condoms) for at least 7 days after beginning its
use (www.seasonale.com).
Even if your partner withdrew his penis before ejaculation,
there is a possibility of pre-cum (which is separate from ejaculation
and happens when the penis becomes erect) as it can also contain
sperm. It's not likely you would get pregnant if his ejaculation
was on you leg, unless it got in or around your vaginal opening,
but, again, there may be pre-cum. It also depends a great deal
on where you are in your cycle and when you ovulate.
If you are worried about becoming pregnant and it's within 72
hours of the encounter, you can look into emergency contraception
(see our EC FAQ). If you are a UIC student currently (summer
semester), you can get EC at the UIC Family Medicine Center
(312/413.2901). You can also look into Planned Parenthood at
www.plannedparenthood.org.
If it's been longer than 72 hours, you can take a pregnancy
test once you have missed the first day of your period.
If you have more questions about pregnancy or EC, please visit
our FAQ's at www.wellctr.uic.edu.
QUESTION: I have been on
the pill for over a year now and recently I had to take antibiotics
for an infection. I have been off these antibiotics for a whole
cycle but about three days before I started my inactive pills,
I got light bleeding. could this mean that the pill is still
ineffective? (June 17, 2004)
ANSWER: Some medications can make some birth control
methods less effective, therefore it is important to talk with
you clinician about the possibility of using a different method
while taking the medication(s). It's also important to discuss
with your clinician the length of time you and your partner
should use this alternative/additional method as it may vary
from the medication you're on.
QUESTION: Ive been on
seasonale for almost 3 months now. For the past month in a half
i have been having this think brown discharge very often.. is
this a side effect or should i be concerend? (June 17,
2004)
ANSWER: According to the SEASONALE web site, it is
common and more likely (than with a 28-day pill) to have slight
spotting and/or a flow similar to a period while on this method,
but this should decrease over time.
QUESTION: I've been
on the seasonale birth control pill for two months now, and
I've just now started to have some spot bleeding. The instructions
for the pill say that I should continue to take the last month
of pills as I have been, but I've read that I should stop for
a week, have a period, and then resume my schedule of pills.
What should I do? Thanks (April 12, 2004)
ANSWER: It is important to take prescription
pills exactly as prescribed by your clinician. If you have questions
about how to take your pills, or you are concerned about any
side effects you may be having, it is recommended you speak
to your clinician.
QUESTION: I just started
using the pill. I'm about to start my fourth pack. In the third
week of taking the active pills I had light bleeding and brown
smear. however for me this abnormal. But now that i'm taking
the reminder pill. I haven't had any light bleeding except the
brown smear. Is this normal or should I contact my doctor for
a different pill? (April 12, 2004)
ANSWER: Many women experience side effects
when they first go on the pill, usually within the first one
to three months. The vast majority of women have only minor
side effects.
Some of these side effects are: light bleeding between menstrual
periods, skipped periods, heavy bleeding, nausea, weight change,
bloating, increase in vaginal infections, abdominal pain, or
headaches.
If you are concerned about the changes in your period, it is
recommended that you speak to your clinician.
QUESTION: I have been
on the pill for 2 years and this month my period only lasted
for 2 1/2 days and then was mostly dark discharge. Is my period
gradually become shorter or should I be more concerned with
pregnancy? (April 1, 2004)
ANSWER: Over the course of time, birth control pills (BCPs)
gradually thin out the lining of the uterus (the endometrium).
This may result in lighter periods, and over time, for some
women, this may mean actually missing a period.
If you are concerned that your period is too light, or that
you may be pregnant, it is recommended that you see your clinician.
QUESTION: I have been
taking the birth control pill for about 3 years now. i have
always had pretty regular periods always following on the last
thursday of my pack of pills. This month my period started almost
a week early. Is this something to worry about? (March 19,
2004)
ANSWER: If something occurs (or doesn't occur)
that is abnormal for you or your body, it would be recommended
you see your clinician to discuss the situation.
QUESTION: I deliberately miss
5 pills so as to bring my period earlier because I will be going
for a trip 2 weeks later. I am not worry about pregnancy since
i will not be having sex. However, after stopping for 4 days,
I still don't see my period. Is my period not going to come
because of the missed pills? Is taking the pills for 16 days
good enough to bring forward the period? (March 19,
2004)
ANSWER: It would be highly recommended you contact
your clinician for an answer to this question. If you are a
UIC student you can contact a nurse at the UIC
Family Medicine Clinic by calling 996.2901 and pressing
4 when the prompt comes on. The nurse will want to know the
type of pill you're on as well as any surrounding information.
Also, since you missed a number of pills it is recommended you
use another form of protection, such as a condom, if you do
decide to have sex. Another form of protection should be used
until you have completed one whole month/new pack without missing
any days/pills.
QUESTION:
I have taken Brevinor for 2 months, but then in the second month,
i stopped taking it after 15 days. It is now the third day after
stopping, why i don't have my period? Will my period come within
a few days? Is it necessary to take 21 days? I have spotting
while taking the pills, why I still have spotting even i have
stopped taking for 2 days? (March 18, 2004)
ANSWER: Since you took the pills for 1.5 months,
it may take a little bit for your body to get back to a normal
cycle unless your cycles were irregular prior to taking the
pills.
It would be recommended you do not start back on the pills until
you see your clinician again for advice, but using another form
of contraception, like a condom, would be advised when and if
you have sex.
As with all hormonal contraceptives, including oral contraceptives,
there could be side effects for the person taking them. It may
be best to read the drug information insert you probably received
when you picked up your pills at the pharmacy. In this insert,
under side effects, it says that spotting or bleeding may occur
during the first few cycles and that if such bleeding persists
or if heavier bleeding occurs, medical advice should be sought.
There could be other side effects including slight nausea at
first, weight gain or breast discomfort, which will soon disappear,
and possible amenorrhea (loss of period). Prolonged amenorrhoea
following the use of oral contraceptives may occur, but is fairly
rare according to studies.
It is recommended you talk with your doctor about your concerns
and discuss the side effects of any medication prescribed to
you.
QUESTION:
What does it mean if your period doesn't land on the week the
pills say it should? (October 2, 2003)
ANSWER: If you are unsure about your menstrual
schedule it is best to talk to a clinician and see if your schedule
is not in sync with your pills.
QUESTION: Since last April I went
off the pill. I took the pill for about 7 years. My husband
& I have been trying for a baby since then. Now in Mar.03,
I was a week late, started but was very light (only about a
day) have been experiencing breast tenderness, fatigue, nausea.
Decided to take pregnancy test, was neg. Still experiencing
breast tenderness & extreme fatigue. Could I still be pregnant??
ANSWER: There is a possibility you could still
be pregnant since the over-the-counter test may not be extremely
accurate or it could be too soon for the test to detect your
pregnancy. It may be good to see your clinician for a pregnancy
test since they are able to do more valid test.
QUESTION:
1) Is it normal for a woman to get her periods/spotting when
she is on the pill/Birth control, and is having sex? What does
it mean if she gets the same
2) When a woman discontinues the pill and is trying to get pregnant,
and she gets irregular bleeding/spotting does that means she
is pregnant?
3) Why do some women bleed the first time they have sex? Is
that a cause for concern?
ANSWER:
1) It is normal for women to continue to have their periods
and spot between periods while on the pill. Each woman is different
when taking birth control pills. It is also normal for some
women to bleed/spot the first time they have sex and sometimes
after sex. 2) It is very dependent on how long she has been
taking the pill. Some women can have irregular periods (especially
if they were irregular prior to taking the pill) after they
cease taking the pill. If she wants to find out if she is pregnant
it is best to take a pregnancy test to find out.3) Some women
are naturally tight the first time they have sex, therefore
stretching the vaginal wall can cause little tears, which can
lead to spotting/bleeding. This is not cause for concern unless
it is excessive bleeding, which should then be checked out by
a clinician.
QUESTION: My
boyfriend and I started having unprotected sex after I started
birth control, now I have been on the pill for about 2 months
and last night he ejaculated in me for the first time, can I
become pregnant?
ANSWER: If you use the pill consistently
and correctly, as prescribed by your clinician, then there
is less than a 1% chance you could get pregnant. This chance
is decreased even more if you use condoms as well. The pill
is usually effective against pregnancy after 1 month of consistent
and correct usage. Before this, you may want to think about
using another prevention method like condoms.
QUESTION: Do I need
a doctor’s appointment in order to get birth control pills?
ANSWER: Yes. Birth control pills need to be
prescribed by a clinician and at most clinics you need an appointment.
If you do not have a clinician, please check out our website
at http://www.uic.edu/depts/wellctr/stihivandpregnancy.html
to find numbers to the UIC Family Medicine Clinic and area Planned
Parenthood locations.
If you are a UIC student, you have a student health fee (you
are not allowed to waive out of this) and depending if you waived
out of the student
insurance (MegaLife) you may have that as well. With the
student health fee you are able to go to UIC
Family Medicine for basic care including gynecological care.
There is a small fee for the monthly pill packs though.
QUESTION: Is there a
place on campus where a student can receive birth control at
discounted prices?
ANSWER: The UIC Wellness Center, located in
room B19 of the Student Center East (formerly CCC) offers free
condoms (male and female) to the UIC Community Monday - Friday,
8:45am - 4:45pm.
If you prefer prescription birth control, UIC
Family Medicine, located on the west campus, offer a wide
variety of birth control options. Their phone number is 996.2901.
If you click
here, you will find a list of Planned Parenthood locations
in the Chicagoland area who offer birth control services, some
at a reduced cost depending on income. Please call the location
your interested in to find out about discounted prices.
QUESTION: I've been
taking the pill for two months...but lately in the last two
weeks or so I haven't been taking the pill on time everyday.
I usually take then between 10 and 12, but occasionally I take
them in the evening. However, I haven't missed a day. I started
the pill (ortho-tri-cyclen) at the end of my flow cycle...the
first month I spotted for two weeks (during the light blue and
green pills)...this month I thought I would start my period
on my fourth week (the green pills), but haven't. It's been
three days into the green pills, but last night my boyfriend
ejaculated in me for the first time. Are the pills just as effective?
I called the family center to talk to a nurse… She said I should
be fine and not pregnant. I asked about the morning after pill,
but she said it wouldn't be necessary because I haven't missed
a day of pills...should I be satisfied with her answer.
ANSWER: Our office has been fortunate enough
to collaborate with UIC
Family Medicine and we routinely call them to schedule appointments
or refer students to them. Although we are confident in their
work, the question is if you are. If you are uncomfortable with
what they said, you may want to schedule an appointment with
a clinician.
As for birth control pills, it is best to follow the directions
of the pills, pharmacists, and your clinician. Literature has
shown the pills are effective if taken daily.
QUESTION: One
of my friends who were on birth control said that they were
pregnant but that birth control stopped it but whenever she
went off birth control she got pregnant again. I had sex with
my boyfriend and the condom broke so he pulled out but I’m paranoid
and want to know if I go on birth control now will it prevent
me from being pregnant if I am?
ANSWER: Well, your friends are partially correct.
A high dose of pills (which have to be prescribed by a physician)
can be taken within 72 hours of intercourse and decrease the
chance of pregnancy - this is called emergency contraception.
To repeat what was said, you need to see a physician to receive
the correct dosage and instructions as to administering the
drugs.
QUESTION: I had been
on Ovcon 35 for about 6 years, to control monthly periods, and
decrease heavy clotting during periods. I starting to spot every
few months between periods, so I was put on ovcon50. This is
my 2nd month on it. I did not spot during the first month, period
lasted about 7 days, only 2 were slightly heavy. Now this month
I just started the 3rd week of the pills and I am getting menstrual
cramps, no spotting yet. I am wondering if this is normal. I
thought with the pill you weren't supposed to ovulate. I used
to get small cysts that would go away on their own before I
was put on the pill. I had a tubular done 21 years ago. Is this
normal or am I possibly starting menopause? I am 47. How would
I know menopause being on the pill? Thanks for any help you
can give me.
ANSWER: Unfortunately, because this is a clinical
question, we are unable to answer it. Please contact your clinician
for an answer to your questions.
QUESTION: Where can I
get birth control pills?
ANSWER: Birth Control Pills (BCP) need to be
prescribed by a clinician. Locations in the Chicago Land area
can be found on our website at "Chicago
Pregnancy testing contact information". Among these
you will find the UIC
Family Medicine (312/996.0136) and various Planned
Parenthood locations that you can call to schedule an appointment.
QUESTION: I finished
my period a week ago and was unable to start new pill pack.
I have the new pack and want to start now. I have not been taking
the pill for 7 days (from a 28 day pack). Do I wait until I
get my next period or can I start now?
ANSWER: Please talk with your clinician regarding
this question to see what is best for you.
[General Birth Control | The
Pill | Depo Provera | NuvaRing
| Lunelle | Ortho-Evra]
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