I am just curious about what to expect. I will be needing them in the near future, basically just for birth control, no other health reasons. I am 23, I have short periods, usually light, they have not always been *extremely* regular, but otherwise seem to be fine. So, I'm basically just wondering what to expect. Will it stop my period? Cause any weight gain? Cause any dryness in the vaginal area? Any other negative effects?...

Thanks for any replies! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

p.s. Is there a particular brand that's better than others?

[This message has been edited by ShiningCrazyDiamond (edited 07-21-2003).]

Hi Shining -

Unfortunately, there is no set answer here. Every woman is different, and reacts differently to BCPs. I have been on several different kinds, and never had any problems with weight gain, but others have. I had some problems with depression, though, and sometimes moodiness. Some killed my sex drive, others kicked it up.

There really is no best brand, etiher. BCPs come in 2 kinds - monophasic, and triphasic. All this means is that some have the same dose of hormones for the whole month, and others have 3 different doses. Some women find moodiness and depression are eased with monophasic, others on triphasic. When you talk with your doc, let him/her know if you have any problems with depression or PMS. Also, make sure you have a pap done first, and make sure you let him/her know your periods have been somewhat irregular. this might influence what brand he/she decides on. Also, ask questions. If you have a concern or are confused about something, make sure your doc addresses them.

Good luck!

Let me just add in one thing do not go on the Depo Provera. It's a shot you get every 12 weeks. I was on it and from what I hear not just me but some other people who have been on it the doctors forget to give some info on the side affects.

Christy is right - there are a lot of side effects to the depo shot. But there are side effects to every kind of medication, including the birth control pill. That is why it is so important to do some reasearch, ask your doc questions, ask the pharmacist questions, etc.

There are alot of other side effects of using the pill. Keep in mind that you are playing around with hormones here. The risks are great no matter what you are being told. Research carefully before you make a decision that could ultimately effect your health years down the road if not sooner.

Why can't the guy take responsbility in the birth control? If he does then you will not be messing around with your hormones. Why is it that it is all put upon the woman?

Look up Barbara Seaman, she will give the low down on the bcp.

Good Luck whatever your decision is.

I find it rather difficult to take Seaman seriously on most topics, but she does make a good point when she urges women to educate themselves about their contraceptive options. Is there a reason that you're set on using BCP as your means of contraception? There are plenty of other methods--both hormonal (Nuvaring, Ortho-Evra, etc.) and not (cervical cap, diaphragm, sponge, etc.) that might be right for you.

Not trying to discourage you from using oral contraceptives, by the way--I just hope you'll be using whatever works best for you, and that can involve doing your homework, so to speak.

As jessi said, there's no "best brand," since everyone reacts differently to the pill. I know people who swear by the first pill I was on, though it drove me nuts!

I had pretty irregular periods, and the pill has them arriving pretty much like clockwork. No, it won't stop you from having them, they'll typically be shorter and lighter, though. (They're not shorter for me...still 5 to 6 days, but they're really pretty light).

Make sure you're able to take them at the same time every day, as that's a big key to making sure they do their job!

Also, make sure your significant other is prepared for possible side effects! My boyfriend was so sweet and supportive while my hormones were going haywire, poor thing. But he knew why it was happening, which, I'm sure, made him more understanding.

If you experience weight gain or any other side effects that you don't like, and they don't go away after a couple months on the pill, get your doctor to switch the prescription. It may take a while to get the one that's right for you. (I'm on my third one in two years, and may end up switching again).

Do your homework, though, and make sure bcp is the way to go for you. I did a lot of research before deciding on the pill.

Good luck, and congrats on being responsible!!!