Quick pill question

[phoenix1224]

I may be misunderstanding this, but if Undomiel's taking a combination pill (both estrogen and progestin), then she shouldn't be ovulating at any point. Assuming, of course, that the pills are doing their job.

Actually, a woman DOES still ovulate while on the pill. Otherwise, how could have Butterfly_Me have gotten pregnant three times while on it?

The pill does not interfer with a woman's cycle... It doesn't prevent the egg from being released and implanted in the uterin wall. All the pill does is change a woman's hormone levels to create an environment where it is virtually (but not totally) impossible for that egg to be fertilized.

 

[LadyJeanne]

The definition of ovulation is the release of the egg. Ovulation is not supposed to occur with BC pills. Here are BC pill facts from the Planned Parenthood website:

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/pp.../birthcontrol/pub-contraception-choices-4.xml

If You Choose the Combined Hormone Pill (the Pill)...

...your clinician will prescribe the right pill for you. Take one each day. Complete one pill-pack each month.


The Pill uses hormones similar to the estrogen and progesterone made by a woman's ovaries to

* usually, prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg (ovulation)

* also thicken cervical mucus to prevent sperm from joining egg

92–99.7% Effective
Not effective against sexually transmitted infections — use latex or female condoms to reduce the risk.

Advantages of the Pill

* nothing to put in place before intercourse

* more regular, shorter periods

* less: menstrual flow and cramping, acne, iron deficiency anemia, excess body hair, premenstrual symptoms (such as related headaches and depression) and vaginal dryness and painful intercourse associated with menopause

* reduces the risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers, pelvic inflammatory disease, noncancerous growths of the breasts, ovarian cysts, and osteoporosis (thinning of the bones)

* fewer occurrences of ectopic pregnancy (in a fallopian tube)

* ability to become pregnant returns quickly when use is stopped

Possible Disadvantages of the Pill

* must be taken daily

* rare but serious health risks, including blood clots, heart attack, and stroke — women who are 35 and older and smoke are at a greater risk

* other side effects include temporary irregular bleeding, weight gain or loss, breast tenderness, nausea — rarely, vomiting, changes in mood, and other discomforts

* persistent side effects may be relieved by having your clinician change your prescription

Cost
$15–$35/monthly pill-pack at drugstores — often less at clinics.
$35–$125/exam.
Some family planning clinics charge according to income. Costs vary from community to community, based on regional and local expenses. Contact your nearest Planned Parenthood health center 1-800-230-PLAN for information about costs in your area.

 

[Tasha_Tuk]

Something I read...I can't remember where..might shed some light. I read that pills are made for certain body weights and certain metabolisms. So, for someone who is slightly overweight (like myself) when I took the pill, I would get my period when I was not supposed to because the medication had gone through my system too fast. It is why, when people get the shot as birth control, some people have to go every 2 months, rather than every 3 months.
Just my two cents.

 

[Eilan]

Actually, a woman DOES still ovulate while on the pill. Otherwise, how could have Butterfly_Me have gotten pregnant three times while on it?

I'm pretty aware of my body's changes during my cycle, and I DIDN'T ovulate when I was on the pill. At all. Obviously, for some reason, the pill failed for Butterfly_Me.

The pill does not interfer with a woman's cycle... It doesn't prevent the egg from being released and implanted in the uterin wall. All the pill does is change a woman's hormone levels to create an environment where it is virtually (but not totally) impossible for that egg to be fertilized.

The combination pill is supposed to suppress ovulation and create conditions that aren't conducive to fertilization/implantation.

The mini-pill, on the other hand, doesn't necessarily suppress ovulation (though it can); it mainly thickens cervical mucus to create less than ideal conditions for pregnancy to occur.