WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for October, 2001: OCPs & side effects

OCPs & side effects - looking for recommendations

From: Alison (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri, 5 Oct 2001 10:11:10 -0500 (CDT)

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Reply: William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG: "Re: OCPs & side effects - looking for recommendations"

Earlier this week I posted a question regarding whether low dose OCPs would be more likely to cause a decrease in libido than those with a higher estrogen content - the response that I received from jwang was that in theory this is the case.

I am currently looking into changing OCPs as currently I am taking Mircette and have two main complaints - I have virtually no desire to have sex and my breasts have been very sore for the eight months that I have been on this pill (the first three/four months were the worst - I couldn't even hug anyone without experiencing extreme pain - now it is better but still very uncomfortable). I also have had an increased incidence of headaches while on the pill.

Anyways, I was originally researching into different progestins as a possible solution to these side effects, but now see that it might also be necessary to increase the estrogen content of my pills. I've looked at Estrostep and at Alesse and would love to know whether you feel that either of these pills could help reduce these side effects or if you have any other recommendations.

I am also contemplating stopping the pill and using fertility awareness & condoms but am a little nervous about any reduced efficacy as I am not ready to have a baby yet but am with the man that I eventually will have children with and don't think that I would be able to have an abortion were I to become pregnant. I read things about how fertility awareness is as effective as the pill and then read others citing a 20% failure rate.

Please let me know what your opinions are.

Thanks so much!

Next message: Martha: "[Birth Control] Pain in the hips"
Previous message: Fran: "chlamidia"
Next in thread: William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG: "Re: OCPs & side effects - looking for recommendations"
Reply: William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG: "Re: OCPs & side effects - looking for recommendations"

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