Pill-less in Seattle?

[desireme.livejournal.com]

Hey you guys, I'm considering going on the pill but I really don't want to. What are the side effects here? My periods are already irregular-- every 2 mths or so-- but I don't mind because, well, it's just less for me to have to deal with. Plus I wouldn't be able to tell my mom about it, I don't want to gain weight, and I don't have cramps or anything now. What to do? Any advice or personal experience? More details onto why in my journal. _{xx Jessica}

Comments

[moonborn.livejournal.com]

I was very irregular, the Pill helped me regularise, which was nice. But it also gave me amennorhea, which is why I've stopped. I used to have awful cramps and effects, but the Pill also helped that out - however, I know girls who had no side effects until they started using it, and now they're debilitated each month!
The Pill also doesn't stop STDs, though. And it takes at least a month to work itself into your system.

What you wrote in your journal about feeling obligated to have sex made me sad, too. I feel awful for you. At least your partner IS worrying about it, but he shouldn't be expecting only you to take responsibility for the two of you having sex! Maybe try talking to him about the various forms of birth control - go to a clinic or doctor together, to discuss it?

And if worst comes to worst, try buying some condoms and always carrying at least one around with you (in your purse?) - then there's not necessarily an 'obligation', but a safety net, "just in case". ^-^

[urania.livejournal.com]

Preface to everything here: YMMV (your mileage may vary)... if there's anything I've read about the whole Pill question, it's that everyone's body reacts differently. HOWEVER...I've been on the Pill for several years, first on Desogen and on Ortho-try-cyclen, and I've tolerated them rather well. I was prescribed them for severe cramping, and O-t-c has really helped with that; while my periods are regular now (something you don't seem to want since it would make them more often--I can understand that!) they are also fairly predictable and relatively short/light compared to how they had been. As far as side effects go, I had queasiness in the mornings for the first three months or so I was on the Pill; didn't make me vomit or miss class, but was pretty uncomfortable at times. However, despite the fact that I tend to gain weight rather easily, I've gained no significant weight on the Pill (and that which I have is better attributed to things like the fact that I came home from college and found the house full of cookies :).

Still, everyone's different. The upswing of that is, there are a lot of kinds of Pill formulations--every Pill is different too, while some are more easily tolerated (by most people) than others. SO... if you don't tolerate the first kind you are given, talk to your doctor about switching to another formula... chances are, even if it takes a few tries, you'll find one that works OK to you.

[cheeseandtomato.livejournal.com]

I'd also like to preface my two cents with an "every girl responds differently."

I just started taking Mircette a couple weeks ago. I specifically asked my doctor for a low dose perscription to ward off the side effects that you fear. So far, I haven't gained any weight, but I was wicked emotional for the first week and I've noticed a few pimples. I take my pill with dinner, and I've felt a little sick on occaison, but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. Oh, and there was a minor boob explosion, but most girls don't mind that particular side effect. Additionally, Mircette is effective a week after you start taking it, as long as you're consistent.

That said, if you aren't sure you want to go on the pill, there's really no reason to do it. But honestly, I'm enjoying the spontenaity and freedom afforded by the pill. I was also worried about the side effects, but discussing your concerns with your doctor might be the best route if you're still considering the pill.

Ovcon --

[ardat-lili.livejournal.com]

My doctor perscribed Ovcon because the less potent versions were not covered by my insurance, so I went along with it, figured I wouldn't have a very adverse reaction to it. It's just a pill..right?.. Wrong. It makes me so terribly sick, not just nausea.. I actually *throw up* about 3-4 pills into the pack. Needless to say, I've started/stopped the packs a few times to see if it was just a fluke. But I got sick everytime. Sigh, oh well. I need to get on a different one now.

Re: Ovcon --

[desireme.livejournal.com]

Oh that's another thing.. I doubt I'm insured. How much do they typically run? I don't think I want to do this anymore.. =\ _{xx Jessica}

Re: Ovcon --

[ardat-lili.livejournal.com]

I think it's $25-30 *without* insurance. That's going through planned parenthood. Have you thought of any alternatives to birth control? The shot, or anything?

Re: Ovcon --

[duckygurl.livejournal.com]

On the insurance thing, if you're within king county, you can go to the King County Public Health Clinic. It's a great clinic, and not seedy or anything. The doctors there are really great. It's sliding scale, and they dont' check your income. I was making $800 a month when i went there without insurance so my pills came to $30 for a 1 year supply (i was on orthocyclen)

My favorite thing about the clinic was they had pictures on the ceiling in the girly exam rooms.
Good luck.

[devilbunnie.livejournal.com]

How about ask your boyfriend to wear a condom for the time being until you are more sure of what you want to do? After all, the pill doesn't protect against any STD's. In your journal it seemed like he was unwilling to use condoms?! That just doesn't seem right to me.

[enigmae.livejournal.com]

Yes, I agree - make him wear a condom! I'm 23 and I have always made the guys wear condoms - even if it's in a relationship. It's only now that I'm trying the pill - because I've been with my boyfriend for a long time, we've both been tested for all std's and are clean, and I'm anticipating this relationship lasting a long, long time.

Guys who won't wear condoms just make me furious. You have to keep yourself safe, and his desire for extra pleasure or whatever should never be more important than that.