Question for the experts...

[raez]

I feel like this is a silly question, and that I should know the answer but I'm afraid I don't and haven't been able to find it. My friend and I were having this discussion earlier tonight. We are both taking Ortho Tricyclin (lo) that we get from planned parenthood. We were wondering about what happens as far as risk for pregnancy when taking the green placebo 'reminder' pills. For both of us, it usually takes some time after starting the placebo pills before our period starts (about 1-2 days for her, 2-3 days for me) Now she very rarely ever uses a condom with her bf, and I often do but not always (I know, I know, I should always use 2 methods, don't need that lecture) So what we were wondering is what happens in those couple of days before the period comes but we are no longer taking the blue hormone pills; is there more risk of pregnancy, or does it not differ from any other point during the regiment (assuming no missed pills, taking them on time, etc, as we both do). We just wanted to know if we should be sure to use a condom and perhaps even spermicide during those particular couple of days.

[sera300]

No there is no additional need for birthcontrol. You use condoms to protect agaist STD's. You only need to add another form of birthcontrol if you miss a pill or if you take a medication which can interfere with the pill. Assuming you take all the pills you are covered.

[Brandye]

The pill does not protect on a day by day basis; it protects you for your cycle.

In Women's Health and Birth control forums there are stickies that describe therapeutic levels and why you take the pill as directed.

Once you are established on the pill, take it always on schedule and do not take other supplements or medications that interfere, you are protected all the time.

[raez]

Gotcha, good to know. We knew that it was important to take it as scheduled, but were somewhat confused as to the actual mechanics. Thanks for sorting that out for us, ladies We figured it wouldn't make sense to not be protected just because of taking the placebos and not getting a period right away, but we also weren't sure if that happens to many people, especially like in my case where it takes a few days for the period to begin. No information that I could find addressed that specifically. Figured it was better to ask and know for sure.

[sera300]

What happen is you body is accustomed to the artificial hormones which you take daily with the active pills; this creates a cycle & prevents the ovulation. When you stop & take the placebos, it causes your body to withdraw from these hormones & induces a period. When it happens; it somewhere within the last 7 days of the pack--it is not always immediate it may take a few days & have seen some take longer. However, if you took the entire pack & no other meds/supplements which interfere with the efficacy of the pill you are covered for the month [minus the normal failure rate].

Good luck. Also if you have questions ask when you go in for your check up.

[raez]

Thanks for the info, I also searched through the sticky thread on birth control after my last post and found the post that described this more detailed than my previous knowledge as well. Took forever, all the posts before it were all things I already knew, but I wanted to learn as much as possible. Having thought about it, I think it really is very important for women to understand how their specific birth control works and why it is so important to "use as directed!".

In coincidence with your post Sera, the most maddening thing happened today. Normally, I am quite impressed with how helpful Planned Parenthood can be. The last NP I saw there for an exam was very good and gave me very good information on sex stuff in general, beyond the scope of the questions I asked. Well, today I went in to refill my bcp's and get the results of my last round of std tests (all clean! yay for condoms!.. and a clean boyfriend too I guess lol) Well, I tried to ask the lady who saw me more questions about the birth control, how it works EXACTLY, etc ( I hadn't yet read your last post Sera) and maybe she was having a bad day or something, but she got kind of an attitude with me, and said "Don't worry about how its working, it will work as long as YOU do it right.. just read the directions" like I was some kind of idiot for being curious about it. I was just thinking, ummm No, I don't have a problem taking it correctly, no need for the condescending tone lady, are you not answering my question because you don't know yourself or because you just don't have the patience/time?
I tried explaining that I do take it correctly but just was curious about it, but she didn't elaborate. Kind of reminded me of attempting to ask questions back in middle school sex ed.. :S Anyway I guess I'll stick to my regular Gyno or posting here for any future questions I may have. Just thought I'd share that lovely experience because it was so frustrating and now I can see why so many woman know so little about being responsible when it comes to sex if that kind of response to such questions is a common thing.. I don't know :S

[sera300]

She had no business acting that way towards you. Our job is to explain and to the depth which requires an answer to satisfy the patient. I can write a dissertation on a subject yet many will not read it nor do they wish to hear it. I do over explain often and see eyes glaze over. I prefer people to be informed and to advocate for their care. I prefer a challenge over a patient which resonds with a "ok" since I know that patient with the "ok" does not understand [generally].

However, the patient who asks; I will explain as much as they wish to know and exactly how either a medication, procedure, or the human body works. If I am uncertain of a specific area; I will say so and get the answer.

A while back Doc asked the question for a poster regarding BCP's and if there is a list which BCP's are less likely to diminish the sex drive. I answered what I knew and referred the question to Brandye since this is more her realm & she is a doc, I am only a NP. My background was mainly Trauma & later family practice. Her scope & medical education/training surpasses mine any day.

I found many can be condescending as you describe, it's an attitude of "ok girl, don't worry, just take it". I don't like it & do not do it. I ask people to call if they have a question they forgot when they got home; I prefer to expalin v. have someone wonder or feel pushed off.

Take her with a grain of salt and chalk her up to a unhappy person for the day & not refelctive of all! I am glad you have the info you need!