Thinking of going on BC for the first time...

[Jennc1742]

Hey guys,

I've been sexually active with my bf for a while now and have never used BC before.

I'm kind of nervous about side effects and what it does to your body. Anyone have any personal stories to share, or any advice on which BC is the best to take?

I also have never had a pap smear before, which is another reason why I'm iffy about going on BC. Is it quite painful or uncomfortable? Is it bearable?

Thank you!

 

[Kitteh_Kat]

I've been on BC for 6 years before I got pregnant. It did take some experimenting to find which one worked best with my body. Started with the patch - turned out I'm allergic to the adhesive on it. Switched to pills and tried two or three before I found the one I've been taking for the past few years. Once I found that one it has been smooth sailing and I love it! I don't really have side effects on it. With the other ones my main issue was some stomach pain and nausea.

BC affects women differently though, and there's a list of usual side effects. Maybe research the type you're interested in, and discuss it with your doctor?

Pap smears really aren't that bad. I'm built small, so they're usually slightly uncomfortable for me, but it's just more awkward than anything. I've had over 5 now, and it's just another procedure, like getting blood drawn.

 

[Jennc1742]

I've been on BC for 6 years before I got pregnant. It did take some experimenting to find which one worked best with my body. Started with the patch - turned out I'm allergic to the adhesive on it. Switched to pills and tried two or three before I found the one I've been taking for the past few years. Once I found that one it has been smooth sailing and I love it! I don't really have side effects on it. With the other ones my main issue was some stomach pain and nausea.

BC affects women differently though, and there's a list of usual side effects. Maybe research the type you're interested in, and discuss it with your doctor?

Pap smears really aren't that bad. I'm built small, so they're usually slightly uncomfortable for me, but it's just more awkward than anything. I've had over 5 now, and it's just another procedure, like getting blood drawn.

Thanks so much for the insightful reply! That's great to see you have found the right pill and don't have side effects with it. A lot of my friends seem to have gained tons of weight because of it. That's definitely not what I want as I'm on the chubbier side. My periods are a bit irregular so it'll be good for that, and of course for extra protection.

I will definitely do some research regarding different types of BC's. It's definitely something I'm interested in.

My mom pretty much said exactly the same thing you said about pap smears. I'm such a shy person and no one has ever seen my parts other than my boyfriend so I'm nervous lol. Hopefully it's not painful.

Thank you again!

 

[seoj]

I had my first Pap at 17 (also for BC). It wasn't pleasant, I won't lie, but it's SO quick and just uncomfortable (not painful)- maybe a pinch or two.

Just take a breathe and relax-- I know it's hard to do, I still have to remind myself to relax (as tensing up only makes it a bit more uncomfy). But the right OB will put you at ease hun.

Just think of it this way- getting a PAP is well easier than being pregnant and all the poking and prodding and BIRTH involved in that So yes, Please- get on the BC pill. Take it every day at the same time (as best you can).

Like mentioned- you might need to give the pill a full cycle or 2 to see how it affects you- there are SO many more options than I had at first. Ask for the lowest does estrogen you can get. I was even on a low dose pill and had NO periods! That was a lovely side affect It also made my skin better. lol. Plus I no longer got cramps! Hello!

BTW- I know where of I speak-- I'm 41... so annual exams since I was 17! And on the pill most of my adult life (besides TTC and now- since I got the IUD).