Birth Control Pills?

Question

I get really horrible menstrual cramps. I've tried virtually every remedy in the book. Some have worked but due to my work schedule I either forget to do them or the timing has become inconsistant. I refuse to take painkillers. So I'm thinking about going on birth control.
I've asked my previous doctor but he said no because he said that they're just too risky. I'm 21, I don't drink or smoke and I've never had kids. My own grandmother has now begged me not to go on birth control. Now I'm thinking about asking my new doctor. What are the risks to taking birth control? I always thought I was a low risk person. I don't plan on being on birth control forver. Just while I'm in grad school so the cramps don't get in my way.

My grandma has asked me not to go on birth control because of the possible side effects. Although it is very weird of her to say that after what she made my cousin go on but that's a different story.

Since I can't keep regular with something like the pill. What about alternatives like the patch or the Nuvaring

i started my period when i was 9. the cramps started at 11 and they've gotten progressively worse. Usually my periods last between 4 to days but it's days 2 and 3 when I'm in the msot pain. I've even vomited several times. The pain is so bad at some points that I take a sleeping pill in the middle of the day so I won't have to feel the pain.

When i say painkillers I mean narcotic painkillers such as Vicodin, Demerol etc. I still take Tylenol and Advil.

Answer 1

You are right, it doesn't sound like you are in a high risk category.
It can increase the risk of blood clots.
If you can't take them regularly (same time each day), and it seems that may be a problem as you have had that problem in the past, then they wont be as effective however.
I started the pill for the same reason; i used to spend two days a month in bed. Now I occasionally need the odd Advil but that is all.

Why are you willing to take birth control, and sleeping pills, but not pain-relievers, if i may ask? There are many varieties out there, and they will help your pain. The patch is a good alternative. Good luck!

Answer 2

OK, i got my period when i was very young..and since i was about 12 or 13 they got really very painful long and heavy. I went on birth control at 14 for my period...I'm an adult and have children..i never had any issues with the pill. the older you get the more risky it becomes. Up until you are 35 you are virtually fine..nothing to worry about. Since you said you don't smoke or drink and I'm assuming you are a healthy person, then in that case it would be fine for you. I experienced NO side effects from birth control when i was younger. I am now on ortho tri cyclen lo I'm on my 4th month..I love it. I feel great. No side effects...my periods went from 9 days(that is with no BC pills) to 4 in the first month of use and now they are 3 days long and light and barley any cramps at all. you are def. a low risk person..and you can be on birth control for 20 years and won't have a problem. I was on them from age 14-24. and i had a baby at age 24. I am now in my 30's and my doctor says because i did so well with BC in the past i can be on the pill until my 40's with no risks. try ortho tri cyclen lo because it has low hormones which causes less possible side effects. (no weight gain!!) talk to your doctor and good luck with everything.

Answer 3

Does grandmom not want you on it because it is a controlled substance? It sounds like your family is very 'natural' when it comes to remedies.
I have tried to study natural remedies but you need to be careful with herbs & things, so unfortunately, I would have to claim that yes, the pill does lighten the cramps and the period. I got my period at 14. I bled for 7 full days very heavily. I went on the pill and I get my period for 3-4 days and I'm only heavy for 1-2 days but still not as heavy as I was before going on the pill.
If I were to urge you to break your 'natural' rule with just one substance it would be the pill. I would recommend at least 6 months for getting used to it, your body needs to adjust to it.
I can't really tell you the side effects because I'm not sure if I feel certain ways from the pill or I just feel those ways on my own. I've been on the pill for 13 years (since age 16).
Some doctors prescribe 6 months worth and some prescribe 12 months. If you do this for 12 months I can promise you - you will not be going off it for quite some time. Unless you feel it makes you too irritable or some other negative ways.

Answer 4

You sound like me when I was younger...I had the worst pain & my mom didn't want me to go on birth control pills because of the same situation, but as soon as I got older I went to the doctor & asked for the pills & I've never felt better, The cramps totally went away. I really think you should go on the pill especially that you have so much cramps. I hope this helps!

Answer 5

Yes if you really want to do this then yea. I dont see a risk. Only when using tampons you have a very small risk of getting TSS. but you do have to take themn on time every 24 hours or youre period will start. It can take up to 3 moinths for your body to get used to the pill.

Answer 6

The pill is much better now than it was in your grandmother's day... much less side effects.
It helped my kids alot with no effects, but don't take a low dose pill and expect to be protected from pregnancy...

Answer 7

Some of the side effects are weight gain, moody, and sleepy. I'd ask your new dr what he/she thinks.