[Brandye]

I have prescribed almost all the different pills (or their generic versions) available at one point or another. Also, the shot, patch and ring. You cannot take what another woman likes and expect to be equally satisfied. I have patients who are perfectly happy on one pill and other patients who could not tolerate it. This is highly individual and is between you and your doctor. My patients on the ring have had higher tolerance and very few of them have changed but among the various pills, many of my patients have been on three, or more, before settling on the one that was best.

If 100 sexually active women take the pill exactly as directed for one year, three will become pregnant. All the hormonal systems are about equally effective. Pharmaceutical interactons are the major cause of failures - especially taking anti-biotics while on the pill. Before taking any of these, tell the prescribing doctor you are on the pill. Certain psychotropic pharmaceuticals also have interactions with the pill. Beware of mega-dosing vitamin E and drinking chamomille tea. Check any interactions before using dietary supplements.