T O P I C R E V I E W
techie
Member # 61437
posted 04-29-2012 05:54 PM
I don't really want to start hormonal contraception during the exam period, because I don't want to be off my game because of hormonal side effects while my body settles into it (or in case its a form my body doesn't get along with), so can I get prescribed now, and just keep the packets until I actually want to start, or do I have to make an appointment for when I want to begin and only then?
Robin Lee
Member # 90293
posted 04-29-2012 06:41 PM
Once you get your prescription, there will be no one looking over your shoulder to make sure you start right away. *gentle smile* Pills do have an expiry date (ideally, a long way out) so you wouldn't want to be filling the prescription then deciding next year: "Oh, I think I'll take these." But no, there's nothing wrong with having your appointment, getting the pills, and waiting a few weeks until you're in a life space where you're more comfortable starting something new. The only caveat would be to make sure you don't misplace your prescription between the time you get it and the time you want to start taking it.
techie
Member # 61437
posted 04-29-2012 06:43 PM
So there doesn't have to be any link between the pattern of my cycle and when I start it, or anything like that?
Robin Lee
Member # 90293
posted 04-29-2012 06:53 PM
Your doctor may recommend that you start it at a particular time in your cycle. Ultimately it's a matter of choice. It's also another reason why there's sometimes a lag time for people between seeing their doctor and starting the pills. Timing wise there shouldn't be any reason why you can't go to the doctor before your exam period and start your pills after if you'd like to do it that way.
techie
Member # 61437
posted 04-29-2012 06:55 PM
Righto! So I'll make an appointment asap Thank you!
Atonement
Member # 42492
posted 04-30-2012 03:31 PM
Just wanted to add, often I do that on purpose, so I can have an extra pack in my medicine cabinet just in case one gets lost or damaged.
techie
Member # 61437
posted 05-01-2012 12:18 PM
Awesomes! Second pill related question - I took the MAP a little while ago, and my body did not really like the extra hormones. The period I had after that was -really- painful and crampy, and this one coming is also irregular and painful, when I normally have as close to pain-free periods as is possible. Is going the pill going to mean that my withdrawal bleeds are likely to be pain-y, if thats the effect that extra hormones seems to have? Forgive me if I'm being stupid/oversimplifying.
Robin Lee
Member # 90293
posted 05-01-2012 01:15 PM
It can be hard to predict how anyone's body will react to anything. However, the morning after pill gave you a high dose of hormones all at once. The birth control pill has a much lower dose of hormones (the actual amount differs based on what you're prescribed) and you'll be taking the pills daily, rather than all at once. So while it might be something to discuss with your doctor, or just watch out for, your reaction to the morning after pill doesn't necessarily indicate how you wil react to birth control pills. Make sense?
techie
Member # 61437
posted 05-01-2012 03:01 PM
Makes sense! Cheers