Low Dose Birth Control Pills?

Question

I have been reading that if you are over 150 pounds that low dose birth control pills are less effective. I am on Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo and weigh 230 pounds. Sould I be extra careful? Should I switch to a higher dosage? Did any overweight women become pregnant on a low dosage?

Answer 1

I'm weigh 235 and am also on Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo. My doctor told me they work the same as regular strength pills, just less side effects. Only the patch gets ineffective after 150 lbs.

I've been on it 3 years and no pregnancy.

Answer 2

Low-dose pills have the same effectiveness as pills with higher doses.

Answer 3

Where did you read this? I work in family planning and haven't heard this. And as a plus-sized woman, I've asked doctors specifically about it. It has no bearing on weight. What does is the patch. If someone weighs over 198, the patch is NOT effective.

Answer 4

I really would suggest asking your doctor about this. I do know that the lower doses of the birth control are out there for those women whose bodies dont handle the extra horomones in the regular birth control. hey, if it works for you then i would recommend sticking with it unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Answer 5

you probably do need to discuss it with your doctor, but I read in a women's health magazine that if you are over 150 or 155, you should use a backup method such as condoms or a sponge

I do have several overweight friends on the pill, and none of them have become pregnant, however, and I don't think they use any backup methods

Answer 6

This is probably something you should be discussing with your doctor. It is very hard to trust reading sources because they can often be misleading. A doctor will probably give you the best answer about this.

Answer 7

I weigh a little less then you and have been on the same pill as you are, you will be fine.