Birth Control Forum - Placebo Pills

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Q: Placebo Pills

asked by: deebaby621 on November 2nd, 2006

Experienced User

I've been on birth control since july. I normally don't get my period until my 3rd or 4th placebo pill. Yesterday was my 2nd one and my boyfriend came inside me. It makes me feel like I have something to worry about when he comes inside me and i'm on my placebos yet not on my period. I hate the way that my period comes so late in my placebos then I start my new pill pack and I feel like i'm wasting away my active pills because i'm still on my period and your active pills are supposed to be for the days that aunt flo isn't visiting! Arghhhhhh am I making any sense what so ever? It's just that when i'm taking my placebos and i'm not on my period it makes me feel less protected. Almost like i'm skipping my birth control.

Replies(16)

Kia

replied on November 2nd, 2006

Supporter

Please please read the info leaflet that comes with your pills.

It states clearly that you are covered during the week of the sugar pills.
The only reason they put them in is to help you remember what day to start the real ones again, you don't actually have to take the placebo pills at all.

(so long as they are really placebo's and not lower dose pills as in the case of some tri-phasic pills)

deebaby621

replied on November 2nd, 2006

Experienced User

I realize that. I know all about my birth control and understand that the placebo pills are there to remind me to keep taking my pills. I am not uneducated about the issue at all so please don't make it seem like I am. Sometimes women just need reassurance especially on an issue such as this.

Kia

replied on November 2nd, 2006

Supporter

But that is why you are on the birth control to begin with.
If you really are educated about your birth control you will know beyond doubt that you are as protected as can be on the pill at this time.

If you really don't trust your birth control then go back to your doctor and discuss an alternative method that you will trust.

deebaby621

replied on November 2nd, 2006

Experienced User

I do trust my birth control. But i'm not going to get caught up in switching my method at this point. I'm on minocycline right now for my acne but my gynocologist convinced me it has no effect on my birth control. I don't feel like going into it but i've already posted on me being on an antibiotic. I'm almost fed up with the whole thing. Some people say the whole antibiotic thing is a myth. Some say different. So I don't know anymore.

I take my pills everyday, my birth control and my antibiotic. So hopefully my protection level isn't being affected.

Carifairy

replied on November 2nd, 2006

Extremely eHealthy

All I can say is that it is highly unreccomended to use bc and antibiotics together..

But, if thew ridk of pregnancy does not bother you, then it is up to you personally.

Kia

replied on November 2nd, 2006

Supporter

We already went through the types of antibiotics that affect the b/c pil and all the rest of.
We can not tell you anymore than if things are as you described then you have the best level of protection that you are going to without absteining from sex.

If that isn't enough then we can only tell you to discuss your options with your doctor.

I personally don't think you are ready to be having sex.
Just do the sensible thing and double up (use a condom and be on the pill)

deebaby621

replied on November 3rd, 2006

Experienced User

I personally don't think you have any right to tell me that. I am 18 years old and have a steady and very loving boyfriend with whom i've been in a relationship with for a while. If you're going to sit there and think something like that then by all means keep it to yourself. You do not know me. This site is for advice, opinions, suggestions, etc - but that was completely out of line of you. I shouldn't have wasted my time anyway.

Later -

Kia

replied on November 3rd, 2006

Supporter

deebaby621 wrote:

advice, opinions, suggestions

and that was my opinion.
You have lots of doubts and worries about having sex, which indicate that you are not fully ready.

To say, that in my opinion, I don't think you are ready for a sexual relationship is not crossing any line. It is my honest opinion. It is not rude to think that.

Many 18 year olds are not fully ready for a sexual relationship and all the risks that goes with it.

We have told you how best to protect yourself.
If that isn't good enough, then I don't know what will be.

You want me to say yes yes everything is fine you'll be ok - I can not say that - I do not know that for a fact.
Yes, there are disagreements on whether or not birth control is affected by anti-biotics - exactly why you need to follow your own doctors recommendations on the matter.

Carifairy

replied on November 3rd, 2006

Extremely eHealthy

You said you do not want to be pregnant, so I am telling you that antibiotics are not safe.

I fear that you will come back here in 4 months crying and frekaing out because you are pregnant.

I know that there is abortion, but the most important thing you can do is to use your bc method properly.

deebaby621

replied on November 3rd, 2006

Experienced User

Well I understand. It's just stressful I guess to be taking birth control and taking an antibiotic that pretty much defeats it's purpose. & then on top of that trying to deal with some mild acne that doesn't want to get any better with both medications.

But no, if I were to become pregnant I don't believe I would come straight to ehealth freaking out & whining about it. I'd go through with it and deal the card I was dealt. Abortion wouldn't be an option for me because it would haunt me for the rest of my life.

Sorry for being a b*tch earlier. I just started my period today so you can imagine. Cramps are out of this world.

::reaches for midol:: Embarassed

Kia

replied on November 3rd, 2006

Supporter

Seriously we just want whats best for you Smile

and no one here takes offence (well not for long) Wink

i do wish you'd call up your doctor and/or gyn though because not everyone agrees about birth control being affected by anti-biotics.
Yaz specifically says it isn't but only your doctor/gyn can give you the nitty gritty.

Either way it's best to be on the b/c pill and condoms because then if a condom breaks you are still backed up. Wink

Carifairy

replied on November 3rd, 2006

Extremely eHealthy

At my gyn office, any woman who uses antibiotics long term is counseled about an iud. An iud is not affected by any antibiotics or medications, and it is as effective as a tubal ligation, but can easily be taken out anytime =)

deebaby621

replied on November 4th, 2006

Experienced User

I posted about this topic before but i'll restate what happened. About 2 weeks ago I called my gyno to see what she had to say about the issue. She told me that with any antibiotic there is a "theoretical risk" that it could decrease how effective your birth control is. Certain antibiotics decrease it significantly, but mine is not one of those. She told me that my risk for pregnancy was still very low as long as I kept taking my birth control correctly.

So i've been taking my pills and we're using a spermicide as well.

Kia

replied on November 4th, 2006

Supporter

I think you'll be ok

if I were you taking your meds I would feel that I was as protected as I was going to get.
Spermicide is a great idea for everyone - it's just that bit of back up.
I would feel, if I were in your shoes, that if I got pregnant I would just be one of the unlucky 1-2% that get pregnant on b/c.

If there was a raised risk of b/c failure they would have advised you to use a back up or alternative method while you are on your anti-biotics.

sandyallen

replied on November 4th, 2006

Extremely eHealthy

Hi there! Have you thought about seeking a second opinion, or talked to like a dermatologist or even a pharmacist, sometimes a pharmacist knows more about the meds than the dr's, I have learned that. I am glad to know that you are using the spermicide, you seem like you have a good head on your shoulders, I am glad to also note that you had your period, you are not being b*tchy, just being a female, I have been there and through the change and I am still a female,if that makes sense.
Good luck to you! We are here for you through the good and the not so good, after all we are only human.

deebaby621

replied on November 5th, 2006

Experienced User

Thank you ladies so much for the support.

Xoxo

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