Gee what was I thinking... Off topic.

[Veronica]

Notice inside my latest birth control pill packet:

Do not use if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast feeding.

It's sad that our society needs such warnings. (Yes, I know there are other medical reasons to take these things besides not wanting children.)


That's right up with the notice on the frozen pizza box - Cook before eating.

V.

[MightyMitre]

I took some sea sickness pills once and was reading the leaflet that came with them which described side effects of varying sorts, like headaches, drowsiness etc. But the best was 'May cause nausia or vomitting!!!! '

[bounceswoosh]

Notice inside my latest birth control pill packet:

Do not use if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast feeding.

It's sad that our society needs such warnings. (Yes, I know there are other medical reasons to take these things besides not wanting children.)

On one hand, I agree with you, and on the other, I can imagine someone who's taking the pill in order to control acne or to keep cysts manageable or other reasons ... I mean, I would certainly ask my doctor about using something like that while pregnant or breastfeeding, but I've seen plenty of evidence that not everyone thinks these things through.

Personally, I just switched to a pill form of BC after years on Depo, and I've since discovered that quitting depo can cause many of the same side effects that starting it can! I wish I'd known ... right now my body is a warzone, with leftover depo clashing with the pill for dominance. At least, that's my interpretation of events.

[massbikebabe]

V

I have been a nurse for 20 years...you would not believe how dumb some people can be...these little warnings protect the pharm. companies. I do hear what your saying. I have always wonder why there is brail on drive up ATM's?

karen

[cindysue]

I discovered that quitting depo can cause many of the same side effects that starting it can!

Hey, As an on-again, off-again depo user, please tell me why you switched to the pill. I have an appointment tomorrow to go back on depo (i'm in a relationship again), but I'm wondering if I should consider something else. I originally started depo 10+ years ago because the pill *induced* acne. No acne on the depo, but I think some side-effects of depo may be lower libido and maybe a little bit of an increased appetite. Also, I swear the cellulite is worse when I'm on the depo. Hard to tell what causes what.....

[bounceswoosh]

Hey, As an on-again, off-again depo user, please tell me why you switched to the pill. I have an appointment tomorrow to go back on depo (i'm in a relationship again), but I'm wondering if I should consider something else. I originally started depo 10+ years ago because the pill *induced* acne. No acne on the depo, but I think some side-effects of depo may be lower libido and maybe a little bit of an increased appetite. Also, I swear the cellulite is worse when I'm on the depo. Hard to tell what causes what.....

Hi, Cindy!

Hrm, you ask the tough questions. I'll split this into two sections.

1) Why I switched to the pill and/or things I found out about depo:

* After so many years without my period, I guess I wanted to see some proof that the "plumbing" was still working

* I had suspicions that depo was helping me retain fat (inconclusive so far)

* Turns out depo can cause acne, whereas the pill always reduced acne for me ... for the last several years I've had the really deep, painful pimples that just nest under your skin and make you want to scream

* The main reason I started depo was because I was a younger person who often couldn't know if she'd be sleeping here or there on a given night, so taking BC regularly was a pain. My life isn't nearly as chaotic now.

* When I mentioned how long I'd been on Depo, my doctor encouraged me to take a break

* IMPORTANT: I just came across this article suggesting that Depo causes irreversible bone density loss: http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/content/full/172/6/746

2) Effects I've noticed:

* I haven't noted an increase in libido, BUT my sex life has gotten SO MUCH BETTER. Turns out Depo was somehow inhibiting my ability to 'get there' during intercourse. I'd be on the edge, but I'd never quite get there. Very frustrating. As soon as I switched, I realized what I'd been missing and why.

* My breasts got firmer and shaplier. DH is quite impressed; not that he wasn't before!

* The first two months, I had a lot of side effects I don't recall when I first took the pill as a teenager: extreme breast tenderness and stomach upsets being the two prominent ones. Now, in my third month, these seem to have subsided. This may be a result of effectively having two loads of hormones (residual depo plus the pill).

[cindysue]

Thanks Monique. I've heard about the bone denisty issue (previously from the nurse). I'm still not sure what to do. I guess I'll discuss it further with the nurse tomorrow. Thanks for the informative post!!!!

[bounceswoosh]

Thanks Monique. I've heard about the bone denisty issue (previously from the nurse). I'm still not sure what to do. I guess I'll discuss it further with the nurse tomorrow. Thanks for the informative post!!!!

One thing I forgot to mention: I've talked to a lot of women about hormonal birth control, and every single one of them had a slightly different reaction to them. One turned into a zombie; no emotional response, positive or negative. One's kidney's almost failed. Some turn into nymphos. Some stop having periods. Some ... well, everyone's different, is the point. So my experiences may or may not have any relationship to yours. I think the important thing is to try to be aware of the side effects you experience, even though they can be hard to identify.

[CorsairMac]

My 2 favs:

On the outside door (non-automatic) of a Wal-Mart was a sign that said: "if you need special assistance inquire inside". They've must've figured you didn't need any special assistence to GET inside!!

An Arbys had a big sign that said "picture menus available upon request". If I can't read - that sign doesn't do Me any good now does it!

[bounceswoosh]

An Arbys had a big sign that said "picture menus available upon request". If I can't read - that sign doesn't do Me any good now does it!

It helps literate companions of folks who can't read, including little kids =P