Question 1

what is the best way to start birth control pills?

Accepted Answer

Sunday start: Take your first pill on the sunday immediately follolwing the onset of your period. Most pills give you the option of a sunday start or starting on the fifth day of your cycle. Sunday is an easy day to remember every cycle so it is frequently recommended. Remember to use back-up protection (condoms) for the first cycle.

Question 2

are there effects of starting birth control pills half way through your cycle? what are they?

Accepted Answer

More irreg bleeding: You are likely to get more irregular bleeding in the first month of taking the pills, if you start mid-cycle, you may get your expected period, then another withdrawal bleed at the end of the pack.  Of course - you need to use a back up method for the first month of taking pills.

Question 3

hi so i am starting birth control pills for the first time and am nervous...i want to take them in the am but what if i wake up at different times?

Accepted Answer

No problem: Take them approximately the same time each day. If am is best, that's ok, even if a couple or hrs difference.

Question 4

when can i start birth control pills after having an abortion?

Accepted Answer

Soon: You should be able to start it within 1 or 2 cycles.

Question 5

how long does spotting last for when first starting birth control pills?

Accepted Answer

: This is very unpredictable. The worst case would be throughout the first two or 3 cycles, but it usually resolves after the first. Make sure you are taking the pills consistently and around the same time every day.

Question 6

on what day can i start birth control pills for the first time? i am currently on day 14 of my normal cycle length of 35 days

Accepted Answer

OCP: best to start  you  first pill  the Sunday after your  period

Question 7

i started birth control pills and am going home for a week (currently in ny, going to ca). when do i take my pills? on est or the equivalent pst?

Accepted Answer

Stay on the same: time zone you have been taking them and you should be fine.

Question 8

i started birth control pills this month & 5 days before i start the inactive pills i started to have some bleeding for those 5 days that normal?

Accepted Answer

Not uncommon ...: to have spotting near the end of the medicated pills when first going on a BCP.  Usually, this is less a problem after several months when your body gets acclimated to the new ratio of estrogen/progesterone.  If it continues to be a problem, speak with your doctor about trying a different brand.   Some women do better with triphasic vs monophasic  vs progestin only pills.

Question 9

i workout  a lot and follow a very controlled diet  but i gained 8 lbs in 3 months and i can't find a reason other than i started  birth control pills?

Accepted Answer

Possible weight gain: While weight gain is an uncommon & temporary side effect to the pill, if you are one of those few women who put on lbs, talk to your dr. Who may suggest a different type of birth control pill. While most bc pills use the same type of estrogen in various doses, the progestin formulation  can differ. This means that each brand of pill may have slightly different side effects including weight gain.

Question 10

i am an extreme emetophobic, and i need to start birth control pills. is there any side effects to really worry about?

Accepted Answer

Take at night...: Take your pills at night with a Benadryl (diphenhydramine) tab to avoid nausea and dizziness.  Unschedueled bleeding is another minor side effect, and while uncommon, blood clots in the legs and pelvis are a more serious side effect.  If you have a family history of DVT (blood clots) let your doctor know before you take pills.

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Doctor answers about:

Starting birth control pills

A member asked:

What is the best way to start birth control pills?

A member asked:

Are there effects of starting birth control pills half way through your cycle? what are they?

A member asked:

Hi so i am starting birth control pills for the first time and am nervous...i want to take them in the am but what if i wake up at different times?

A member asked:

When can i start birth control pills after having an abortion?

A member asked:

How long does spotting last for when first starting birth control pills?

A member asked:

On what day can i start birth control pills for the first time? i am currently on day 14 of my normal cycle length of 35 days

A member asked:

I started birth control pills and am going home for a week (currently in ny, going to ca). when do i take my pills? on est or the equivalent pst?

A member asked:

I started birth control pills this month & 5 days before i start the inactive pills i started to have some bleeding for those 5 days that normal?

A member asked:

I workout a lot and follow a very controlled diet but i gained 8 lbs in 3 months and i can't find a reason other than i started birth control pills?

A member asked:

I am an extreme emetophobic, and i need to start birth control pills. is there any side effects to really worry about?

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