Q: When do I start the birth control pill?
A: Start the first Sunday after your period starts. If your period starts on a Sunday, start the pill packet that night. You may still be bleeding from your period when you start, but it is okay.
Q: When am I protected on the pill?
A: Use barrier protection (condoms, foam) for first packet of pills. A new habit is hard to establish and missing pills is more common in the first cycle. Second month on pills you should be protected when taken correctly.
Q: What if I miss a birth control pill?
A: If you miss one or two pills, you can make up as soon as you remember
- one missed pill - take the missed pill immediately along with pill for that day.
- two pills - take 2 next day and 2 the following day.
- 3 or more missed pills - stop the pill packet, use barrier protection. Start a new packet of pills Sunday after next normal cycle starts. And then use barrier protection that first packet again.
Q: Do I have to have periods when I take birth control pills?
A: No, current thinking is moving away from monthly periods created by birth control pills. You can take theactive pillsevery dayand skip the inactive pills. You will continue to take a pill each and every day, but they are the hormone containing pills.You will not have a period. The new Birth control Seasonale is designed this way to have just one period every three months.
Q: What is emergency contraception?
A: Emergency contraception is designed as an after the fact hormonal treatment to hopefully prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. You can ask you physician to prescribe emergency contraception within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. It is not as effective as birth control pills, however it can be very helpful.
Q: What causes me to have a period while I'm on the pill when it's not time? Am I protected?
A: It is not your period. It is called breakthrough bleeding. If you've just started taking the pill, it may take 2 to 3 packets to become adjusted to the pill. Breakthrough bleeding might occur. If you miss a pill or take a pill late, you may have breakthrough bleeding. Some medications affect the pill.
Q: What if I miss a period on the pill?
A: Congratulations. Some practitioners believe you do not have to have a period each cycle you are on the pill. If you haven't missed any pills and there is no chance of pregnancy, start a new pill packet as you normally would. If chance of pregnancy, take pregnancy test Friday or Saturday before starting new pack of pills on Sunday. If negative, don't be concerned. It is not harmful to not have a period on the birth control pill.
Q: When attempting pregnancy, how soon after a missed period can I get an accurate test?
A: Home pregnancy tests are accurate at the time of a missed period. A blood test can check for HCG ( pregnancy hormone) at ten days post ovulation.
Q: If pregnant, how soon should I see the doctor?
A: Please call to initiate a prenatal appointment as soon as you know you are pregnant. The first visit usually is a nurse visit to take a detailed obstetric history and laboratory work. You will see the doctor within a week or so after that appointment. Around 10 - 12 weeks your doctor will be able to hear fetal heart tones.
Q: When should I start vitamins if I'm wanting to be pregnant?
A: Start prenatal vitamins as soon as you begin trying for pregnancy. the folic acid in the vitamins helps prevent some types of birth defects that form very early in pregnancy. If you are already pregnant and you are not having trouble with nausea or vomiting (a symptom of first trimester pregnancy), then start vitamins as soon as you find out with positive pregnancy test.
Q: What medicines can I take if I'm pregnant?
A: Always consult your doctor . Drugs are categorized in reference to their effect on pregnancy. A few are very dangerous, some are safe, and most have a risk/benefit for their use.
Q: What if I bleed during pregnancy?
A: Spotting first trimester does not always mean you are losing the baby. Call your doctor to explain to them how much, what color, and if there is cramping along with the spotting. Usually they will have you come in to check you out with an ultrasound and/or physical exam. Bleeding in the second or third trimester is not at all normal and should initiate a visit to the doctor right away.
Q: What is endometriosis?
A: Endometriosis is uterine lining ( Endometrium) that is found in places other than the uterine lining. It is thought to be the cause of retrograde menstruation and contamination of the abdominal cavity with endometrial cells sometimes takes hold and endometrial implants grow. These can cause pain with menses ( dysmenorrhea or cramps) , infertility, or pelvic pain.
Q: What are fibroids?
A: Fibroids are muscle cell tumors that grow in the uterine lining, uterine wall or are pedunculated ( attached by a small bridge of tissue to the outside uterine wall- a little like a balloon on a string). They are almost always benign and can cause heavy or abnormal periods, pelvic pain , pressure, and cramps. Fibroids are very common and usually not much of a problem. Their size, location, and symptoms determine whether or not treatment is required. Treatment may be medical, conservative surgery, interventional x ray guided embolization of uterine arteries supplying fibroids, or radical surgery such as hysterectomy. Since fibroids are so common, not all need to be treated and this is decided between the patient and the treating physician when and if to intervene.
Q: What about osteoporosis?
A: Prevention of osteoporosis begins in adolescence with life long adequate intake. Peak bone mass is not reached until the mid thirties, so drink up!
A: It is involuntary leakage of urine in women. It occurs in over 11 million women in the US alone. There are different types of leakage, most is due to stress urinary incontinence where leakage occurs with laughing, sneezing, and cough. There is also overactive bladder with leaking upon the urge to urinate. These problems are difficult for the patient, and usually are not "old age". Evaluation and management is available to help.
