A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:i'm currently in a relationship with an amazing guy. he's the first boyfriend i've ever had and the first person iv'e had any sexual contact whatsoever with. I also recently lost my virginity to him as well, and he wore a condom both times we've had sex. Since we've started dating we had many discussions about sex and protection, and we both decided it would be a smart idea for me to go on the pill. However now that i actually might have to go on it, i'm having second thoughts... You see, a year and a half ago i started to get EXTREMELY bad period pain that would leave me bedridden for up to 2 days. My period ever since i got it when i was 13 has always been irregular. The pain went away for about 4 or so months, however the irregularity was still there. My mum said back when i first got those pains a year ago that i might have to go on the pill, it was the only option left (we tried everything to lessen the pain and whatnot) however i was scared to go on it back then knowing how much weight my friends put on and their rapid mood swings. I have just lost over 19 kilo's that i'm proud of losing and the last thing i want is to put it back on. plus i like my personality and i dont want the mood swings.but now that i have a boyfriend, i also want to be protected sexually from getting pregnant, i want to be very safe. Today i got my period, and im currently bedridden due to the extreme pain that im in at the moment. like i mentioned earlier the pain subsided for 4 months or so and now its back. Mum thinks i should go to the gynacologist and get checked out, and thinks that i may have to go on the pill. Even though the pill would be beneficial to my period AND my new sex life, i cant help but not want to go on it due to the side effects that i may/may not get. i dont know what to do
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condom, lost my virginity, period, sex life, the pill Reply to this Question
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female
reader, Gabrielle Stoker  +, writes (30 June 2011):
 The pill doesn't automatically lead to weight gain - certainly hasn't for me and I've been on it since I was 15. You probably should see a gyn before going on it by default though.
A
female
reader, chigirl  +, writes (30 June 2011):
 I'm not sure if you can blame mood swings on the pill. And the weight gain only comes from an increased appetite, which affects some women, not close to all. With all the benefits of the pill, and with the uncertainty if you will even react to the pill, I think it is well worth the risk. If in case you do experience any discomfort with the pill, then you just stop taking it, or try a different type.
The only affect me and my friends (those I know of who are on the pill) is that our breasts got firmer, or in some cases bigger. Mine just got fuller, and my bestie had to buy a bigger bra, then I know of another girl who goes up and down in bra size, haha... But all of this is dependent on the person. Just because your friends gained weight doesn't mean you will. None of those I know gained weight, nor has there been a problem with mood swings. So there is no way to know how you will react, or if you will react at all.
Besides, getting a regular period (I can tell the exact hour I start my period when Im on the pill) added with little menstrual pain, makes it so worth it to me. I also get insane menstrual pains from time to time, luckily not every month. But it was so painful I've never felt anything worse in my life, it was like someone stuck a pole into my belly and twisted it around, and no painkillers worker. But the pill helped, I never had that sort of pain when on the pill.
You don't know if you will experience any side effects. So from a logical standpoint, until you know for sure if you experience side effects, and until you have experienced the benefits of being on the pill, you don't yet have all the information necessary to make an informed decision.
I think you should try the pill. And then after having tried it you can decide if you want to continue being on it or not. You don't have to use it for life you know, you can take it for 3 months and then see how it goes and then alternatively stop it and go back to condoms.
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A
female
reader, k_c100  +, writes (30 June 2011):
 The weight gain side effect of the pill is actually a myth - despite many scientific experiments and studies, there is no conclusive evidence that it makes you put on weight. Yes it changes your hormonal balance, and if you feel it is having a negative effect on your body then you can change your pill, there are hundreds of different brands. If one type of pill makes you moody, then you can go back to the doctor and ask to change it, and you can keep changing until you find a type of pill that suits you best. They all have different levels of hormones in them, so you need to try and few to work out what suits your body the best. They are not all the same and you cannot brandish the pill with multiple side effects, only certain brands of pill will have side effects on certain people.
At the end of the day, you control what you put into your mouth, so only you (not the pill) is responsible for your weight gain. You said you have lost weight in the past, which shows you have good self control and you understand that you put on weight when you eat more and dont do exercise, it should be fairly straighforward keeping the weight off if you are sensible, regardless of the pill. Too many girls blame the pill for weight gain, when in fact they have just been eating too much junk food for a few weeks, or havent been exercising.
Dont worry about the side effects, if you find the right pill for you it is highlighy unlikely that you will get any. And even if you have a little problem with it, surely that is better than getting pregnant, or being stuck in bed for 2 days in a row?! I think I would rather put on a couple of pounds than get pregnant, that is one sure fire way to get fat!
Go to your doctor and talk to them - they will be able to give you a number of options and put your mind at ease. Risking getting pregnant (condoms do break!) is not worth it, and with the many birth control options out there it is silly not to be using one just because you are a bit afraid of a myth.
I hope this helps and good luck!
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A
female
reader, Battista +, writes (30 June 2011):
I don't know how the health system works where you are, but in the UK if you want to see agynaecologist (on the NHS), you have to go to your GP anyway and get a referral.
I also used to have painful, heavy and frequent periods until I started taking the pill. I haven't suffered from weight gain or mood swings. Just because that is what has happened to your friends it doesn't mean it is going to happen to you. That is why you need a professional opinion, not advice from a forum like this.
I would advise you to go and speak to your GP to begin with. Over here it is generally GPs who both prescribe and offer advice on the pill, either at the surgery or a sexual health clinic. There are many different types of pill and your GP should try and offer you the one you will find most comfortable to live with. You can try it for a few months, and if you notice side effects you can go back and change to another one.
As far as you not knowing what to do, I would advise getting a medical opinion, either from a GP or a gynaecologist, and take it from there. They can advise you on the options you have. Furthermore, if you are getting a lot of period pain they may wish to investigate further anyway.
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A
female
reader, So_Very_Confused +, writes (30 June 2011):
 i think you should go discuss this with a gyn... some pills may make you gain , some may not. discuss this with your doctor.... i know that when i was much younger and had debilitating periods, the bcp helped me be functional.
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