so what would happen if I took my birth control pills backwards?

Question

I know the pills each contain different amounts of estragin and proestragin (I cant spell) and I take them in a very specific order for that reason. I cant' remmeber if the amount of hormones goes up or down with the passing weeks, but I know the last week doesnt have any.

so what would happen in my body if I took the pills all backwards?

I take the pills for reasons other than a contraceptive. and I dont plan on actually doing this. I was just curious on what would happen.

Answer 1

It depends on the type of pill. For years all of the birth control pills had a fixed ratio of estrogen and progestin, with the last 5 days blanks. The newer ones have a ratio that tries to simulate your body's natural hormone fluctuations. Provided you didn't take the blank pills first, but started with the last active pill and worked backwards, you would still probably have protection since each pill is supposed to have enough estrogen to prevent ovulation. I wouldn't count on that if your trying to prevent pregnancy (there are other reasons women take birth control pills, controlling cramps for example). Switching the order of pills is a really dumb idea, however. Why would you want to do it? It would force your body to do a 180 degree about face in its response to very powerful hormones.

Briant Burke, MD
[e-mail]

Answer 2

They will probably want to give you a pelvic exam if you have not had one. This is a routine exam that women get once a year. They will probably ask you to undress and put on a robe. The doctor checks your breasts for indications of cancer, then has you lie at the end of the table to do the vaginal exam. They will insert a metal thing called a speculum that holds your vagina open enough to do the rest of the exam - it's not huge, and you can request the small size. If you're already having sex then it's nothing to worry about. The doctor can also let you see it first if you want to. Once that's in place they will take a swab off your cervix - this is the pap smear sample, to test for any problems there. Some doctors do a brief rectal probe with a gloved finger to check for any issues in there. Then you're finished, and can get dressed again. After the exam, the doctor should speak to you, and help you choose the proper method for you, then write you a prescription, usually for a year's worth. Some clinics can dispence the medications, while others will need you to get it at a regular pharmacy. You should ask before you go, if you want to know. Your birth control will probably be cheapest at somewhere like Wal-Mart. Depending on which pill you get (and ask for the generic, it's much cheaper), it could range from 20-40 dollars per month. If you are a college student then this may be cheaper for you at the on-campus clinic. Planned Parenthood has some income-sensitive stuff, so you should ask them about that also - BEFORE you go. P.S. December seems awfully long away. Have you looked into Planned Parenthoods in your area? They are rarely so booked.

Answer 3

you are in trouble if you took it backwards! your hormones will go crazy, you may have very heavy vaginal bleeding for awhile. You should contact your OB-GYN as soon as possible., how come your not reading the directions? you need to read the instructions first and follow it, the Pharmacist should've told you how to take it. If your not sure, the Pharmacist is the best person to talk to.

Answer 4

You would get horrible headaches and cramps since your estrogen levels are going crazy. Your body doesn't know how to react, especially if you've been on them for awhile and it knows to expect certain levels at certain times. I highly suggest not screwing around with them.

Answer 5

by backwards do you mean instead of taking them orally you shove them up your a s s ? I would think that is ineffective.