Caution: Pill - Take only as directed

[katiebug]

Wow, I used EC ONCE, and that was enough to mess my cycle up for a good 2-3 months afterwards. I can't imagine what you must be going through having taken it more than that.

Just to add to the advice you've already been given. I really recommend going to see a gynecologist rather than just a nurse in a family planning clinic, if you have the choice. The nurses are fine - but for more in depth questions and for more long term care, I just think that a gyno office is a better choice. If your sexually active, you should be going for yearly pelvic exams as well, ya know? Plus, it's been my experience that a gynecologist does not leave you with that confused feeling after leaving their office - like you described after talking with the nurse. Maybe it's just a personal preference, but I really highly recommend them over a clinic or regular physician doing my pelvic exams and dealing with my BC.

Since going on BC recently, I have stopped taking any dietary supplements. I have heard so many rumors about them messing up your BC that I decided I'd rather be safe than sorry. Also, the fact that here in the U.S. they are not regulated by the FDA kinda scares me - because you really don't know what you are putting into your body, and how it's going interact with any other medications you are currently taking. I use the BC pill as my only method of contraception, so I always think it's good to be extra careful.

[Dazed_n_Confused]

Thanks again katiebug, this is really useful. Even though I'm in my twenties, becoming pregnant at this stage would absolutely ruin my life and seeing as a (very shocked) colleague yesterday told me that she has gotten pregnant despite taking EC within a few hours after sex, I'm even more determined than I was previously, to stop falling back on EC every time there's a remote possibility that I might have got a bit too frisky with my fella.

On top of echinacea which I take for a few weeks every now and then, I take a lot of vitamins, etc. I'll probably stop everything when I start taking the pill, as I definitely agree that it's good to be extra careful.

[Brandye]

Dazed,

EC is about 75% effective. There are now so many versions, that each needs to be measured. The real problem though is that it does upset your system and taking it frequently keeps you in a constant state of upset.

Perhaps a homeopath or naturopath will choose to disagree with me but most people talking lots of vitamins are simply peeing lots of vitamins into the WC. The exceptions are those vitamins that are not water soluble (esp vit A) and they can cause problems if they build up in the system.

The one vitamin to be especially careful of is E. The normal 400 iu dose taken twelve hours off your pill, should be no problem but megadosing results in the pill and the vit E rendering each other inoperative.

[Dazed_n_Confused]

I cannot believe I didn't realise how dumb it was of me to take EC so many times! I have actually been living in a behavioural (just just physical) 'constant state of upset' as you put it, for the majority of this year and have nearly ruined my relationship on numerous occasions because of it. It has been worrying me, because I've never been one to cry when stressed or depressed (much more likely to go mad PMT-style!), I had absolutely no idea why I was crying non-stop and tired all of the time. It's shocking to think that such a tiny little pill can have so much affect. Never again!

[neverdiplomatic]

Okay. I'm on the verge of just quitting the pill altogether.
I'm now taking it as directed, at the same time every day, no antibiotics, no over the counter meds, etc.
I was diagnosed with a yeast infection, took the Diflucan, everything was fine for maybe a week, and now the stupid thing is back AGAIN!!!!
I don't douche, keep everything as clean and airy as possible down there, am not having sex, so wth is going on?!?
I'm told by my doctor that the pill does not cause yeast infections; the only time I have EVER had this problem was while taking the pill. In addition, I've read online a number of posts from women who have had exactly the same problem while on the pill.
I'm starting my second row tonight of the Ortho-Tricyclen and am wondering if it would be harmful to just NOT. Should I try just stopping the pill altogether, wait a couple of days and then try an over-the-counter treatment?

[Brandye]

Birth control pills do contribute to imbalance of the ecosystem of the vagina because of the increased estrogen. In some women this does lead to frequent, or even constant, yeast infections. Your doctor is technically correct but, in a practical sense, some women who are particularly subject to yeast infection or vaginosis can see an increase. I have had patients who simply gave up on the pill because of this.

If it is yeast, you could consider switching to an iud; if vaginosis, stay away from the iud.

If you are not sexually active, you could simply stop taking the pill. Your cycle may take another month to balance itself out but you would be free of the yeast symptoms. You could stop and immediately use one of the over the counter topical cream. If you are sexually active, finish off the current month and be sure to have alternate protection available.

[neverdiplomatic]

Thanks Brandye!
I'm not sexually active at the moment, so I guess I'll quit the pill. The bigger boobs are not worth this, lol.
I feel like it's been forever since things were normal down below. I guess it's a good thing I want nothing to do with men anymore, lol. Too much hassle.

[tenderxmusa]

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[Buffy_Lynn]

Is anyone else here on the Evra Patch? I started over 6 months ago when it became avalible in Canada and I love it. It stays on all week like it's supposed to (For me, anyways. I wear it usually on my back, but now that it's summer, I keep it out of sight on my bum) and I never forget about it, I leave it on all week, and change it on saterdays. (You start it much like the pill, I was told by my doctor to start on the first day of my period).

I would forget to take my Pill alot and I was really insecure about getting pregnant, I even tried setting my alarm clock to go off when I was supposed to take it, but it seemed hopless. So when the patch came out, I was really happy to try it. I was skeptical about it falling off when I showered or swam, but it stays! I've only ever had one patch fall off, when I got a massage before final exams. (It didnt mix well with the oil).

I guess I had to put my 2 cents in... lol.

So, I guess my only question was if anyone else on the board uses it or has tried it and how effective was it for you?

[Brandye]

I have had a few patients use it. Some liked it and some did not. No untoward pregnancies, so it is effective. There has been some medical literature regarding side effects in recent months. No action is indicated until your next regular appointment and you may want to ask the doctor.

If it keeps the stuff in your system and pills do not, use it.