First time on Birth Control, Microgestin 1/20 (generic Loestrin 1/20) few questions.. - Birth Control Message Board

krissy151 · 08-28-2007, 05:07 PM

Hello..Im 24 yr old, generally healthy woman and will be starting on bc for the first time ever this week. My doctor prescribed Loestrin 1/20 (I opted for the generic Microgestin because it was much cheaper) and I am just wondering what kind of experiences anyone has had with this type of birth control. I've read some posts and they seem a little mixed..my main concerns are possible side effects like weight gain or erratic bleeding/spotting (i've always had regular periods for no more than 3 or 4 days at a time). I've never taken the pill before because I'm not really all for the "putting additional hormones into my body" thing, but my partner and I decided it is the best way to go for the amount of sex we're having. I'm also wondering how long from when I start taking it will it become effective in protecting against pregnancy. Thanks so much for any insight you can provide!

coty · 08-28-2007, 09:23 PM

I don't kow about Loestrin because I am on another brand, but about the timing, he pamphlet that comes with the pills will tell you when sex should start being safe.

the-pepsi-man · 09-18-2007, 12:38 PM

my fiancees sex drive dropped to absolutely nothing on this pill... you wont have to worry about sex cause you wont even want to have it on this. not reccomended.

Quote:

Originally Posted by krissy151

Hello..Im 24 yr old, generally healthy woman and will be starting on bc for the first time ever this week. My doctor prescribed Loestrin 1/20 (I opted for the generic Microgestin because it was much cheaper) and I am just wondering what kind of experiences anyone has had with this type of birth control. I've read some posts and they seem a little mixed..my main concerns are possible side effects like weight gain or erratic bleeding/spotting (i've always had regular periods for no more than 3 or 4 days at a time). I've never taken the pill before because I'm not really all for the "putting additional hormones into my body" thing, but my partner and I decided it is the best way to go for the amount of sex we're having. I'm also wondering how long from when I start taking it will it become effective in protecting against pregnancy. Thanks so much for any insight you can provide!

clobag · 09-19-2007, 07:08 PM

all i can tell you is ~5 months ago i started microgestin after being off bc for 12+ years, and i LOVE this drug, i just ~feel good~ on it. the first 3 months were difficult because i couldnt have lots of sex because lots of spotting & crazy periods, but after month 3 all is normal and my sex drive is the same (high) or better

). now my period is 2 days & light and happens every 28 days. but everyone is different, is suppose.

the pamphlet says after 7 days on the pill youre protected, but my doc said to use it for 21 days before not using a condom.

good luck!

renton11111 · 06-28-2008, 12:08 AM

I have gained some weight, mayber 3-4 pounds. I am going to the gym more often to control it. My breast size has increased by a cup size in the first two months. This is a strange but welcomed change, I won't need to ever buy implants.

I had some mild headaches and some PMS like feelings with occassional nausea. I read this awesome book called The Pill (Out of the Oxford University Press) and it helped me understand the changes that were going on. It is a lot like being in puberty all over again (!). My sex drive is still alive and well with some changes. I have more amplified feeling about wanting or not wanting sex, but when I do want it and have it, nothing has really changed. I started to take the pill at night so I won't be awake when the side effects are there. Hopefully the side effects will be gone in the next month or so.