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XoXbabydollXoX · Mar 8, 2011, 02:19 PM

I went to the doctor to get put on birth control today. I'd done some research on ALL the kinds of birth control; not just the depo-provera shot and pills, but on the patches and nuva ring and other types as well; trying to figure out which would be best for me. I'm awful at remembering to take medicine and I'm scared to death of shots so I was hoping for some other form. Anyway the doctor told me that the only ones that would be available for me are the pill or the shot. Since I'd read enough about both to comprehend and both were good options my ultimate deciding factor was price; and so I decided on the pill. I knew the questions I wanted to ask the doctor about whatever form I decided on; but after id decided on she gave me a choice to have the pap smear done today or wait. I'd been dreading it since I'd made the doctors app. Mostly because I've never had one and that sort of distracted me from asking the other questions I had. And I was wondeirng if someone might be able to answer them for me:
1. Why is it that you're not allowed to take birth control until the Sunday after you've started your period?
2. Is it true that birth control isn't effective in the first month of taking it?
3. how significant is the possible weight gain? (im getting married and don't want to decide on a dress and pay for it and then not be able to wear it)

justcurious55 · Mar 8, 2011, 02:27 PM

1) I'm not totally sure, so I'll leave that one for someone else to try and answer.

2) yes, it's true. You need to take it correctly for about a month before it's really effective. And antibiotics will often make it ineffective too. So anytime you have to take antibiotics, always ask your dr or pharmacist about interactions and have a back up method ready.

3) it really varies for every woman. I never gained weight from birth control. Some women will put on a few pounds. And of course you have to remember body type. Some people can gain a few pounds and you don't even notice. Others put on a few pounds and it makes all the difference. If you can, wait two or three months and see how your body reacts before making a final decision.

Although the pill is considered highly effective, always remember that even when used correctly, no form of birth control is 100% effective.

Also, to help remember to take the pill at the same time every day, try to work it into your schedule. Like if there's something you do around the same time every day already, try to take the pill at the same time. And maybe even set a reminder on your phone or watch.

summer_girl · Mar 8, 2011, 02:37 PM

Oral contraceptives always begin on a Sunday so you can match the day of the week to the pill dispenser, to help you remember if you took one that day. You always start them after your last period, first to be sure you're not pregnant, and second to start regulating your cycle from its beginning. You'll take three weeks' worth of pills with active ingredient in them. Many pill packs have a fourth week of reminder pills that have no active ingredient in them. You take them if it helps you to keep your habit in place of swallowing one every day. When I used them, I found it easiest to take them first thing in the morning when I got up to use the bathroom. Most women who gain on the pill only gain a few pounds, so hopefully that won't affect your wedding gown choices too much if it happens.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

justcurious55 · Mar 8, 2011, 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by summer_girl

Oral contraceptives always begin on a Sunday so you can match the day of the week to the pill dispenser, to help you remember if you took one that day.

You don't have to start on Sunday. Every pack I've ever taken has always had stickers or a dial so you can start whichever day of the week and still keep track. So for me, I was a Monday starter. Same directions as Sunday starter, but for me, Monday is the first day of the week. So Sunday would have thrown me off.

summer_girl · Mar 8, 2011, 06:29 PM

Hmmm, maybe it depends on the package then. Mine were always in a rectangular packet, no dialing. Interesting about the changeable stickers.

justcurious55 · Mar 8, 2011, 06:55 PM

Definitely must depend on the brand or package. I'm just about to switch to seasonique (just got it today) and this is the first ever package I've gotten that doesn't have the day stickers or a dial for me to use. Oh well, guess I'll just have to live with the days not matching up.