[katie1055]

I've never been on any type of birth control and I started Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo on Sunday (three days ago) and I have a few questions. I am curious about what side effects to expect and how soon to expect them. I've read websites about what the effects are, but I am looking for input from people who have/has taken this pill or knows someone who has been on it. Also, will my period come on the days that I'm on the reminder pills? And my last question is about how soon the pill works in relation to preventing pregnancy -- I've heard one month, but I have also heard up to six months. I got my pills at a women's health clinic and the doctor didn't give me any pamphlets about the pills, so I'm unsure.

[lizzardb63]

I have been on this pill. They pills are 100% effective after 10 days, but your information paper that comes with your prescription will explain that as well and I suggest reading the entire thing. Some women have all kinds of side effects, or just one or two, or none at all. Everyone is different and it completely depends on the person individually. Me? Unfortunately I had side effects from it that made me really moody and depressed, but I already have been battling depression for 10 years prior to starting the pill, so it might not be the option for me. I have many friends who are on the pill that have no side effects. You'll just have to try it and see how it goes. Give your body enough time to adjust to it as well, my doctor told me it takes about 3 months to know the full effects of it on your body. After 3 months if you have bad side effects you could consider trying another pill. It's a trial and error type thing.

Your period might come a day or two after taking the "reminder" pills or it might come the day before...your body will regulate itself and you'll see a pattern of when it will start. As long as you take them every day at the same time, you have nothing to worry about. I remember getting my period on the 2nd day of the reminder pill and it would last until maybe the 2nd day of the new pack...everyone is different. Some of my friends would have their period on the first day of the reminder pill and be done 3 days later. You'll just have to see what happens.

I was also on Yaz for a while, which didn't work for me either, but that only had a 5 day break of the "reminder" pills so my period was a lot lighter and shorter with that pill, but maybe my body just worked better with that one. All of us are different. I had to stop taking birth control all together though just because my depression got too bad.

[lizzardb63]

Here is what the information pamphlet says exactly " For the first cycle of a Sunday Start regimen, another method of contraception should be used until after the first 7 consecutive days of administration."