questions about pill

[newatthis]

I recently asked my friend about birth control pills because I'm thinking of starting on them soon. She told me that she takes orthro-tricyclen. I have lots of questions though before I start on them:
1. I was wondering if anyone has had bad side effects from this pill such as weight gain or something worse like heart disease? This is my biggest worry about taking bc pills. So any input I'd like. My friend says that she's only had good side effects from this pill like lighter period and it being regular. So I'll prob ask my doctor about this pill when I go. I just wanted some input from others who've used it.

2. What should you do if you forget by accident to take the pill one day?

3. I'm only worried about preventing pregnancy so if I take the pill everyday at the same time as directed, I shouldn't need any other contracepive right?

4. The pill is the most effective contraceptive right?

5. When you take the pill, does it reduce how long your period lasts because my period has always been extremely irregular and a lot of the time I still have it after eight days. Would I have to worry about it lasting so long after I start on the pill? Also, many times I'm not completely sure when my period is finished. I think I might be finished and a little while later I notice I'm not quite finished, so how will I know which day to start the active pills again? Can u take them if you're still bleeding a little tiny bit?

I know this a lot of questions but I'd like to know as much as I can.

[eminatic]

the pill can cause all the side effects you mentioned and more. the more serious ones are less likely, especially if you don't smoke. i gained ALOT of weight when i first started taking the pill, and it took me like a year to get rid of most of it. but to me it was worth it because i used to have horrible cramps and it got rid of them.

i can't guarentee it will regulate your period...everyone reacts to it differently. usually it does make it lighter though.

if you forget ONE pill within the month, take it as soon as you remember it, and usually nothing will happen-you do not need a backup birth control method (this may not be true for all brands so read the packet to be sure)

the pill is highly effective but no method is 100% effective. and it does not protect against STDs.

[demonbuttercup]

Ortho Tricyclen lo
I take this one
Take only as directed

Check here as well.
When you go to your DR. They will go over ALL the pros/cons of taking the pill.. How the pill works to protect you...then they will look at your background and health conditions at that time to decide which pill is right for you (there are tons of them).... take your list of Qts, so that you don't forget any of them.

Risk of heart disease mainly increases if you smoke while on the pill.

[newatthis]

Thanks. If any one else uses this pill or another kind, please respond and tell me which one you use and if you've experienced any bad side effects.

[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.

[sera300]

Originally Posted by newatthis

Thanks. If any one else uses this pill or another kind, please respond and tell me which one you use and if you've experienced any bad side effects.

There is no "generic" pill good for all women; it's a very individual choice which Brandye points out. If one is not working well for you talk with the prescriber and try another. There is no pat answer.

[SmilingInside]

Originally Posted by Brandye

If 100 sexually active women take the pill exactly as directed for one year, three will become pregnant.

if u take it perfectly then how could this happen?

[eminatic]

no method is 100% safe

[sera300]

Every BC method has a "failure rate".

[Gauri Khan]

in short 100% efficiency is still a Mirage to mankind!! just there but not quite..