Situational-Based HBC question.

[nefariouskitten.livejournal.com]

So I take Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo and am currently on the last few days of my active pills.
Today it has come to my attention that I am a pill behind in my cycle.

I know that I took one last night and tonight, and I think that the day I missed was tuesday (though I'm not positive). Nevertheless, I read through the little pamphlet and all I could find was:
"If you MISS 1 white, light blue or dark blue “active” pill:
1. Take it as soon as you remember. Take the next pill at your regular time. This means you may
take 2 pills in 1 day.
2. You do not need to use a back-up birth control method if you have sex. "

Now the only problem I have with this is that I only missed one pill, but I did not 'remember' (or realize) until a few days afterwords. Now I took two pills today to make up for the 'missing' one, but how does this affect my chances of becoming pregnant or how might it affect whether or not i should use a backup method?

I had unprotected sex on Monday (presumably the night before my missed pill) though I am 99% sure he did not come inside of me (because it landed in my mouth and on my face haha, so with the possible exception of a little precome, i'm pretty sure we're decent on that)

All help/advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Normal symptoms of nystatin/metrocide

[diamondxavenue.livejournal.com]

I've been having white-yellow, thick discharge (actually somewhat similar to the consistency of semen) for longer than I can remember. I went to see a gyno in maybe January or February and was told I had a bacterial infection, and I was prescribed some metrogel to clear it up. After the metrogel, I went to see the gyn again and was told I had a different type of bacterial infection. It wasn't serious so I decided not to treat it.

Lately I went to see the gyn again and was told I now have a yeast infection. This is odd because it wasn't extremely itchy before and because the discharge isn't very chunky and is more yellow than white, although I did read that sometimes yeast infections produce yellow discharge. I was prescribed oral metronidazole, internal vaginal tabs of nystatin and some external cream. I've been taking everything for around 2 and a half days now and it seems to be making the discharge come out at a heavier rate and EXTREMELY yellow - much more yellow than it was before. Is this normal (e.g. the nystatin tabs are yellowish in color), and when can I expect normal discharge again?? Will I forever be cursed with this problem?? :( :(

yeast infection impatience -_-

[defgoddess.livejournal.com]

Earlier this week I developed a YI and wow I don't miss these at all (used to get them every month for a year and after anytime I had sex)... I had some Diflucan left over so I took that Tuesday (since Monday I was a dumbass and was hoping my angry girl parts would calm themselves down).  It has helped some, because I was originally bright red and swollen down there.  I even upped the ante with some garlic stuck up there (never thought I'd thread a needle through a clove of garlic), but I don't think it really helped.  I know it can take a couple more days for everything to go away completely, but honestly I've kind of forgotten the trajectory and the irritation is horrible.  It's not so much itchy as a waxing and waning 'yeeaaagh' /grabs crotch  Mostly I'm just venting because my bf tossed and turned violently right before his alarm, waking me up... once I was awake, hello irritation.  A 5 am alarm after going to bed at 12:30, and lying there for a half hr so your garlic doesn't shoot out (his snoring didn't help either)... not fun.  Especially because the same thing happened yesterday too  -_-  /vent vent vent @#$@^&*

PMDD

[rainbowtastic.livejournal.com]

I think I have PMDD. I've noticed if recently more than before, and I'm going a little crazy over here trying to contain myself. I've been off of caffeine and sodas and sodium as much as possible, but its not doing that much good. I just can't seem to stop crying sometimes, and I cry for no reason at all, and then am completely fine two minutes later. My cycle is closer to 3 weeks long than 4, so this is very frustrating. I bleed for a week, and am all crying/angry/depressed/unconfident for at least a week before.

I wouldn't be very concerned, but I feel like its definitely impacting my relationship with my boyfriend and my family. I am snappy and pissy all the time, and I feel horrible, because as much as I apologize and explain that I don't know why I suddenly lose control of my damn mouth, I still do it, and I can tell that it hurts them. Especially my boyfriend. Things are becoming almost tense between us at times, and there have been nights where I cry myself to sleep thinking that hes going to break up with me because I can't control my emotions. While I know in my real-brain that this isn't true, that hes willing to do whatever it takes to stay together and loves me a whole hell of a lot, I can't convince my PMS/PMDD brain of that sometimes. Then I'll wake up the next morning and everything will be fine and I'll realize my insanity and be upset with myself for even thinking that.

Even people at my job have noticed... apparently, I'm not as bubbly as I used to be, and I always look exhausted(I always am exhausted... thanks to the lack of coffee perhaps?). My boss asked me if something was wrong the other day, because I looked angry, but I was just sorta staring off into space. Normally my stares into space are smiley, not angry, which makes me think that its something in my subconscious?

Regardless, I'm confused. And tired. And angry, and cry-y and feel like I'm this big fat blob that no one wants to be friends with really because I've lost all my redeeming qualities. Most of all, I just want to make this go away. My breasts are unusually sore as of late as well. I found a chart to track my symptoms, but I'd like to start resolving this before two months pass so that I can compare two charts. What else is there I can do? I'd really prefer not to go on meds, but if thats what its gotta be, then thats what its gotta be. I have an IUD because I got insanely physically sick because of HBC, though I was MUCH happier on HBC the week before my period than I have ever been in my life.

Any suggestions/comments/anecdotes are welcome, as long as they are helpful... please try to be kind to my already completely screwy mind.

bitter/pungent smell

[jameelah.livejournal.com]

Hi. I looked through the tags and searched the vulvapedia, although it's quite possible I'm just not searching right, but I couldn't find anything. Here's my situation:

Right now I'm on my menses and using my cup. The last day or two what I have found is that when I go to empty the cup as soon as I pull it out there is a strong bitter/pungent smell. I checked the cup and it's not it that smells so I'm thinking it's my discharge (I'm on day 3, a fairly heavy day by the way). Does anyone have experience with this and is it something I should be geting checked out? TIA

x-posted to Menstrual cups

Test results

[estrellafugaz85.livejournal.com]

I recently had vaginal swabs taken because of heavy greeny-yellow discharge, soreness and itching. I also had a lot of pain, some bleeding and some red spots on my cervix at my recent pap smear. I should mention I almost always have these symptoms and have had numerous tests which normally come back clear, although I have had BV and vaginitis in the past. Well, they came back clear again, no BV, no yeast. The nurse told me there were pus cells but they hadn't developed any bugs - what does this mean? She seemed to be saying this was just my natural state and I have no infections. So I can only think that it's the HBC causing this stuff, as the last time I came off it, my symptoms mostly went away. Has anyone else had similar problems with the pill? I'm on Cerazette.

a few questions: menstruation and protection on HBC, oral sex, and positions made easier.

[tokio.livejournal.com]

1. I really want to have unprotected sex tonight. I'm a user of hormonal contraceptives. I take Sprintec, but I have been off of it for about three months due to financial reasons. I usually ovulate about mid-cycle, maybe a week and a half to two weeks after my period.

Today is day three of my period. I'm picking up my Sprintec tonight, and I will take the first pill tonight ASAP. Can you estimate how likely it is that I will be protected from pregnancy? Pregnancy is not an option. Will using spermicide in conjunction with my period and my first day of Sprintec be enough to prevent pregnancy tonight? What if we also employ the pull out method? How baby-proof do you think we'll be?

2. As you know, I'm on my period. In addition to baby-proofing, I would also like to blood-proof because I'd like to have oral sex. Are there any special tips to ensure I do not taste or smell like blood? I do not have any diseases that would be transmitted by blood; the primary concern is enjoyability for my partner. If he's okay with it, I'm going to shower and clean well, clean the outside (NOT inside, of course!) of my vulva with a really lovely body wash, apply dabs of his favorite perfume around the creases of my thigh and on my mound, and I'm going to wear a tampon. My primary concern about this is how distracting the string might be. Are there any better options?

3. My partner and I fit together almost perfectly except when I want him to take me from behind. By the way, are there any better ways to reference doggy style? I think that's an absolutely loathsome term. We've tried doing this using every prop in our apartment, and it just DOESN'T WORK! It is so frustrating. I should have a job offer come in soon, and once we save some money we're going to by the Tantra Chair. This will help us considerably as well as serve a multifunctional purpose in our house. Until then, are there any cheaper alternatives? I'm 5'4" and he's about 6'0-6'1.5". We should be able to fit together because our hips are very close together when standing, but it just does not work.

Thank you so much, everyone!

ETA: Addendum to #3. I should have provided more details. We've tried every surface of the house, and we've tried everything cushion-like that detaches. We've even tried the side of the bathtub. We've tried piling pillows up by the side of the bed, and it's always awkward for him. We've tried putting pillows beneath me, and it tires him out because they eventually get thrust forward and I fall closer to the mattress. He's bent me over everything, and nothing gives us the angle he needs for leverage.

I'm actually asking for suggestions for cheap furniture -- even if it's not specifically for sex -- that might aid us. I might just have to do a little bit of browsing around for this. Thanks again!

How soon do you notice side effects? HBC and the never ending period

[kwaniesiam.livejournal.com]

I just started my first round of BCP on Sunday, the first day of my period as the instructions said. The pills are Low-Ogestrel, a generic for Lo-Orval. Since then, I'm still bleeding a very heavy, steady flow. I usually have a really heavy flow, but I should have been done by Wednesday and so far it is showing no signs of stopping. My period is irregular and very heavy, but usually doesn't last long. This is the longset it has lasted in years, especially this heavy and steady for this long. It hasn't tapered off at all. If it matters, I use a cup and cloth pads, and have for well over a year so nothing has changed there. I've never been on any BC before, and am getting worried. I have severely low iron and am anemic, I take an iron supplement daily and also have hypothyroidism. The bcp was to help with my heavy periods to try and keep my iron levels from getting so low all the time, but now its doing the exact opposite!

Also, I've noticed I've been really moody lately, and depressed. I can't seem to stand being around anyone, and will randomly break down and cry over nothing. I freaked out on the bf for no reason. I've struggled with insomnia for years as well, but this past week it seems all I want to do is sleep. I've slept more this week than I have in the past month, and I'm still tired and feeling like I have no energy at all. This may partly be due to my thyroid problems, but before starting the bcp I was fine. I haven't even been on the pill for a week now, yet my entire body feels out of whack. I tried telling my mother this, since I still live with her and I rely on her to take me to the doctor, but she just said that it will be a month or two on them before I notice anything even changing so I have to just deal with it until then. I don't think I can deal with it until then, I feel like absolute crap and am really stressing over my iron levels which are so low to begin with.

Any help greatly appreciated, as always.

Anonymous Post - Breast/Nipple Concerns

[jocelina.livejournal.com]

Hello, fellow VPers! As you probably know, from time to time the VP Team makes posts on behalf of people who wish to remain anonymous or who do not have LJ accounts. This is one such post. Thank you in advance for your awesome and helpful comments. :)

Jocey
For the VP Team
contact_vp

P.S. For more info on anonymous posts, see this link.

---

Alright, so I know this isn't exactly vagina related, but i've been browsing through the community (since I don't have a LJ), and i've seen some breast related issues. I figured you guys might be able to help me out.

Okay so, i'm pretty self-conscious about my boobs, that would be because of these marks/acne stuff I have. I've got these little blackhead type things just kind off all over my boobs, and they've left scarring, dark marks more so. I sometimes also get pimple like things that have caused scars. Now, the worst part, i've got these bumps all around my nipples. I don't really know how to describe them. They're like pimples, but not. Whitehead-ish stuff comes out of them when I push on them, or sometimes nothing comes out. They've been there for quite some years, I don't really remember when they weren't. I've noticed i've got newer ones, I don't know how or when they show up. But they're pretty big, and ugly, and overall embarrassing. I'm 17, yet to have any sexual experience, but when I do, I don't want to have boobs with these unknown marks and ugly bumps all over, ya know? I've started putting neosporin on when I get out of the shower, it's helped a little, they scab up, but they don't seem to go away! Like they just wont heal.
Also, if I press on my nipples, white stuff comes out. Kind of like whitehead type stuff, it's not watery or anything, is this normal? I've read that it's only bad if it's bloody, green, or clear liquidy.

I just really don't know what to do. It's left me feeling so bad about my boobs. I don't wear any form of low-cut shirts, and constantly worried about anybody seeing any of these marks. My mom and I don't have a relationship where I could ask her. But, I am going to a dermatologist in a couple months, but i'd be to scared to bring this problem up, even if it would help. I've asked in a couple other teen health forums, but never any answers, so please help me out if you can. Sorry that this is a bit long.

Thank you :]

Hormone Levels

[cyberpurple.livejournal.com]

 I saw my GP today about the fact I've been feeling run down and keep skipping periods.  Seems like I'm having one every other month or so... based on the dates of my last two it looks like six weeks but at times it's been longer, I've only kept track of the last two.  When I do have them they are heavier and last longer too.  I am quite overweight and she says it's probably that as the more you weigh your ovaries tend to get more polycystic.

So anyway for that and some other reasons I'm having a whole load of blood tests on Thursday.  I think she said FBC, LFT, Thyroid and Hormone levels.  

But what I'm wondering is if it is possible to have polycystic ovaries and not have PCOS?   Or are the two things one and the same?  Because I know of a few conditions where you can have "such and such" or "such and such syndrome" and they are similar but different.

Period Question

[hope1517.livejournal.com]

My periods are usually the same every month. They last about 5 days, Day 1: Moderate Day 2-Day 4: Heavy to Moderate 5th day: Light to Brown blood sometimes going into a 6th day
 
This month it came a day late and the first day it was weird. First day: I didn't bleed alot like I usually do, and it only appeared when I wiped. But I had a few hours of my usual first day BAD cramps! Ah! Then the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th days were very heavy which is pretty normal for me, but unlike usually having a light last 5th day... I barely had anything. Like it went from being heavy all day the 4th day with ligthening by night time, then the next day (5th day) it was completely finished. I didn't notice any bleeding the fifth day.

Should I be concerned? It's just weird that I basically only had bleeding 3 days instead of 5, because I barely bled the first day and didn't bleed at all the 5th day! And the 4th day was VERY heavy and then the next day it just STOPPED! No slowing down, or light days, except for the first day I suppose. I'm worried.

Cramps in between periods?

[xx-socold-xx.livejournal.com]

Lately, I've been noticing some very, very slight cramps. Same place where you feel regular menstrual cramps, but the pain is barely anything; barely noticeable. I just ended my period last week, but this has been going on for a few weeks now.

I also get this cramp-like pain in my pelvic area, right where my right leg/inner thigh connects with my vulva. I have no idea what it is, and it's beginning to get quite annoying.

Does anyone else experience things like this? Is it something I should be concerned about?