[Ives]

Hi everyone! I'm new to the site!
I had a question regarding Alesse Birth Control. The doctor gave me three months supply but failed to give me much information about when to start, possible side effects and such. I recognize that it was also my mistake for not asking at the time. Since then, I have been researching online and found a few websites that were quite helpful. However, some stated that they experienced scary side effects (gaining weight, facial hair, acne, etc.) I'm wondering what everyone thinks about this birth control? I'm also aware that different people react in different ways. Another question - I started my period today (Monday) yet on the package, the first pill is marked as Sunday. Am I supposed to wait until Sunday comes again to take the first pill? I heard you are supposed to start on the first day of your period, however, then I would need to take the Monday pill and my question then becomes, what do I do with the Sunday pill before it? Do I take both tonight? Thank you!!

[ItsASecret]

I am Alesse as well, depending on which one you got 21-day pack or 28-day pack you will have to take your pills in accordance to that. 21 days means you take a pill everyday for 21 days and wait 1 week to start up a new one, during that week you will get your period. 28 day packs you take a pill every single day with the placebo white pills during your period week. In either case it is absolutely necessary and critical that you take it on time as close as possible every single day (unless you have the 21 day one in which you must take those 21 pills on time).

some stated that they experienced scary side effects (gaining weight, facial hair, acne, etc.)

It is possible, they are required to list the side effects that may happen so people know what can happen. No drug comes without side effects, that said it is not an absolute that you will have a side effect. There are countless millions more women who do not experience anything bad side effect wise compared to the unfortunate few who do have some sort of side effect. Taking the pills does not mean anything in particular will happen.

Another question - I started my period today (Monday) yet on the package, the first pill is marked as Sunday. Am I supposed to wait until Sunday comes again to take the first pill?

It is only marked as Sunday on the first day for convenience. You are not absolutely required to start taking them on a Sunday. If your period begins today then this is considered Day 1 of your cycle, your doctor may advise you to take it on Day 1, Day 5 (so the end of your period), or the first Sunday after your period because it is easier to keep track with pills (since the pill pack starts on a Sunday so you would just take each pill and it would be easy to see if you missed any). If you start the pill today you will likely stop your period for this week. That said IT IS EXTREMELY COMMON TO SPOT at any point during the first three months of taking the pill as your body is getting used to seeing it there. However, for ease you could start this Sunday because your period would be finished, it would coincide nicely with the pill pack, and your cycles would still match up.

Do I take both tonight?

No. Never take two pills on the same day unless you miss a pill the day before. The pill MUST be taken around the same time every single day to stay effective. You have a rough 3 hour window between times taking it incase you simply cannot get home in time to take it-ex. stuck in traffic and you get home at 6 instead of 5 when you normally take your pill...it is absolutely alright to take it within that 3 hour window.


Also, because you have Alesse you have the box it came in, inside that are the lengthy instructions with a lot of medial stuff. Focus on the instructions and what to do if you miss a pill.

[Ives]

Thank you so much! I guess I will take my first pill on the Sunday that comes next. I got the 28 day pack by the way.