Birth Control Forum - When Should I Start Birth Control?

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Q: When Should I Start Birth Control?

asked by: manda panda on October 30th, 2003

New User

I have never been sexually active and therefore have never used any type of birth control. I am getting married in 7 months and my future husband and I don't plan on having children for a few years, though we would be thrilled to have a child, even if unplanned. We will not be sexually active until after our wedding, so that is not my concern. My question is this: how long before my wedding should I plan on starting the pill (or a similar method)? Of course I want the birth control to have taken effect before my wedding! But I also want to allow my body enough time to get used to any unpleasant side effects from it or to switch to another type, as some have told me that a woman may need to try a couple different kinds to find the right one. Also, what are some common side effects you ladies have experienced on various methods? How long did it take you to get used to them? Were any bad enough that you switched to another type? Any suggestions would be helpful and greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Replies(4)

babybooz

replied on October 30th, 2003

Experienced User

Hey!

Well, why not start now? I am currently on ortho-tri cyclen, and its the leading brand in north america. Or so they say... Haha, but its awesome for your skin, and its system is set up so you take different amounts of hormones each week. Stronger as you go... There is 3 colors for your first 3 weeks of the month, and then you have your placebo pills. (sugar no hormones) hmmm, this is my first month, and I only had side effects the first week. Headaches. They didnt feel too nice, and I slept a lot. Now I dont have anything. I feel normal. Every woman is different though, although most of my friends told me that there side effects only lasted a week too. This was so we could get acustomed to the hormones. I think that you should start now. 6 months is a good amount of time to make your decision. It kinda sucks always taking the pill at the same time, but I mean... Better than the shot. I hate them! Lol* good luck! And congrats with your new "husband to be!"
sarah

sarahauntie

replied on October 30th, 2003

Experienced User

With ortho-tri-cyclen a friend of mine went up a whole cup size. Talk about unexpected results. However, results are different for every woman. I say go ahead and start now. Otc is good for your skin, some other brands could give you an unsighlty rash on your face. Good luck on your wedding!

P.S. I don't reccomend the patch!

manda panda

replied on November 2nd, 2003

New User

Thank You

Thanks for your help girls! Man sarahauntie, you are really opposed to the patch aren't you! I've read some of your other postings and you seem consistently against it. Thank you, though, for your very honest opinion......That's what I need.

missbuttons

replied on November 2nd, 2003

Experienced User

Congrats on your upcoming wedding:)

i was in the same situation as you are now. I started on bcp in august 2002 for our october 2002 wedding. I am now on my 4th pill in that short amount of time, and I am currently on ortho tricyclen as well.

If you aren't up to starting it now, I would definately give it 3 months minimum so your body can get adjusted to the hormones. It can take that long for everything to get in sync. You can experience many side effects on the pill, and you wouldn't want to have them during your wedding.

Good luck:)

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