[chrysdior]

I am a new user here and I will be on Ortho Try-cyclen LO starting on 9-26-10. But I am worried about spotting as a first time birth control user. I do not want to ruin my panties, nor do I want to wear panty liners every day after my period to ensure that I dont. Are there any sure fire ways to tell if one is going to spot before it happens? Or is the panty liner thing the best option until spotting stops.
I just do not wnat to be embarassed if I spot at College or my place of work and am unable to get to the bathroom intime to put a panty liner on. I know almost EVERY woman spots when on the pill. I'm just basically worried about embarassment and ruining my panties.
If anyone is on Ortho Try-Cyclen LO it would be helpful to hear from you.

[Faerunner]

Welcome to the forum!

OTC-Lo was my first pill and I liked it a lot. I didn't have any particular problems on it, but as with all pills there is a period of adjustment when you're more likely to spot or have irregular periods. You're likely to spot the first month or two and any week after you miss a pill. If you spot constantly, irregularly after the 3rd month, or for long periods at a time you'll want to talk to your doctor about it. I don't know of any sure ways to tell when you're going to spot, other than knowing your body -really- well... occasionally I'll get light cramping before I spot but that's not reliable and doesn't always happen. If you're really worried you'll spot during the day and won't make it to the bathroom your best bet is to wear dark clothing so that stains won't show. Black panties are the best for avoiding embarrassing stains!

Spotting is rarely heavy enough to leak through your outer clothing before you catch it, but again, if you're worried you can wear something dark that won't show the stain. Often it will only stain your undies, which as you said is embarrassing but manageable. Keep an Oxi pen or something similar on hand for the worst stains, as it can be applied quickly before you toss things in the wash or at work if you're wearing light pants and notice bleedthrough.

I suggest panty liners for sure. I know they're annoying but you can get Kotex ultra-thin ones for around $1 per box at Wal-Mart here (and I assume everywhere else...); they can be folded to fit a thong and they're not uncomfortably bulky, unlike pads. They can also be carried in a pocket or wallet, in case of emergencies. My spotting usually happens mid-day so I don't bother with liners during early morning and at night, but your experience may vary.

[chrysdior]

THank you that was helpful. Panti-liners are just annoying. But I guess I'll have to do for the first couple of months anyway. I know they are cheap enough. I love walmart for that reason. LOL. They're so cheap. Thank you again!