New OrthoCyclin User..Help?? - Women's Health Message Board

miznike · 04-24-2003, 08:18 PM

I am about to start using OrthoCyclin. This will be my first use of birth control pills. My doctor told me to start taking the pill on my first day of my period. The thing that worries me is that I am going on a week long vacation 6 days after I am suppose to start my period. Normally my period is over in 6 days, but I am scared I will have side affects from beginning the birth control pills. I read so much about people having spotting for a couple of weeks after starting the bcp. My question is...should I be expecting side effects or spotting or a extra long period after first starting the use of OrthoCyclin??? Please help...I am a worried new user of Birth Control Pills.

DenverGal · 04-25-2003, 12:24 PM

With BCPs I think you have to be prepared for anything. I've been on many different pills and most I did not have a problem with, but some I did spot at first. Everyone is different so you may have problems or you may be just fine.

One option you could try is what they call a "Sunday Start". When you start your period, wait until the Sunday after and take your first pill on Sunday. I have always done this b/c then I always know to start a new pack of pills on Sunday, and every new row gets started on Sunday. It is easier for me to keep track of. Then I always know exactly when my period will be (on Tuesdays) and it is usually done by the weekend (which is great). Read through the info that came with your pack of pills and it will explain what to do.

That way you'd be starting the pill after your period was already happening and maybe the effects wouldn't be quite as bad, if you have any at all.

I know it can make you nervous taking the pill for the first time but chances are things will be fine and you will probably LOVE it, less heavy periods, less cramping, and since you are on Ortho your skin might clear (If that is a problem).

Good luck!

MysteryGrl · 04-27-2003, 09:29 AM

I agree with Denver about the Sunday start. I used to have horrible, painful, irregular periods. When I started on Orthotricyclen, I started on the Sunday after my first period, and following that, my periods always came on a Tuesday, and were usually done by Thursday night. They were always lighter and less painful. I hope everything works out for you!

[This message has been edited by MysteryGrl (edited 04-27-2003).]