T O P I C R E V I E W
CraftyKid
Member # 95725
posted 05-04-2012 11:05 AM
I have read lots of information on here, but I guess I just need someone to walk me through it. I've been on birth control pills for around 6 months now. In that time period of 6 months, I've only missed one pill and I followed protocol and took it as soon as I remembered (I take them at 10PM and took the pill the following morning around 9AM). We always back up with condoms every time, and about a week later I got my withdrawl bleed so I know it didn't cause a problem. I take my pill every day and the latest I've been was 3 hours late. Now, all of the sudden I am having bad headaches, very sore breasts, extreme fatigue and some mild stomach cramps. I just took my first placebo pill in the pack last night and my period should arrive tomorrow. I wouldn't normally be scared because I feel good about my birth control methods and realize they are as effective as possible. However, now that I am having this symptoms I am worried. I don't normally have headaches or fatigue this extreme with PMS. I haven't been aware of any condom mess ups but I'm paranoid one broke or slipped and no one realized it. My boyfriend hasn't said anything to me about it. So I guess my question is, have I done something wrong that could result in a pregnancy? I try to be as careful as possible with birth control but I have taken it a few hours late this cycle. Just need someone with a clear head to walk me through it! Thanks.
Robin Lee
Member # 90293
posted 05-04-2012 11:41 AM
Welcome to Scarleteen. The symptoms you describe can be from a lot of other things besides pregnancy, including stresss or illness. . a condom breaking is very noticeable...it splits or shreds. Nothing you're saying here is setting off alarm bells. It sounds like you have a good handle on your birth control. If these symptoms persist beyond a few days, it would be a good idea to check in with your health care provider. Pregnancy is unlikely based on what you've described. It's good to get unusual symptoms checked out if they don't go away on their own.
CraftyKid
Member # 95725
posted 05-04-2012 12:20 PM
Thanks for the help! I guess that in my mind, I know these things but it always helps to hear them from someone else. While I realize that no birth control is 100%, I try to get as close to that 100% as possible. I've read up on the buddy system and know that is is even more effective. I guess I am just concerned because of these symptoms, since I usually do not worry about pregnancy. So I guess I have one more question...effectiveness of birth control is not reduced unless it is beyond the 12 hour mark? I am also currently not on any antibiotics, haven't been vomiting or taking anything that should coincide with the birth control. Sorry for the repetitive questions...just double checking for peace of mind
Robin Lee
Member # 90293
posted 05-04-2012 02:31 PM
If you're taking a combination pill, then yes, you have a twelve-hour grace period in which to catch up on taking a pill if you don't take it on time. The ideal is to take it as close to on time as possible. Birth control pills have been shown to be 99% effective with perfect use, and 92% effective with typical use. Typical use would include occasional missed or late pills. Of course, these are just numbers and there's no way to really measure an individual person's chances of getting pregnant. All anyone can do is take their pills as consistently as they can. Do you find yo u have trouble taking your pills on time? Many Scarleteen users find it helpful to set an alarm as a reminder.
CraftyKid
Member # 95725
posted 05-04-2012 03:21 PM
I set an alarm too, because I would forget if I didn't. The problem I have is remembering to take them with me if I'm going to be out late. Is it ok to store them in a purse or school bag? Lately I have been at school until late at night preparing for finals and forget to bring them.
Robin Lee
Member # 90293
posted 05-04-2012 03:26 PM
It's absolutely okay to store them in a purse or bag, especially if that will help you take them on time.
CraftyKid
Member # 95725
posted 05-04-2012 04:24 PM
Thanks for all your help
CraftyKid
Member # 95725
posted 05-05-2012 10:02 AM
Update: No period yet, and normally I would have had it by now. Trying to tell myself the day isn't over. Still having sore breasts and cramps off and on. Panicking but trying to make myself calm.
CraftyKid
Member # 95725
posted 05-07-2012 04:08 PM
Period arrived a day late, but none the less, arrived!