Birth Control

thumperinfun · June 2010

Am I freaking out too much? I have an OBGYN appt this Friday to get on birth control before my wedding. I have never been on it (we just used rubber before) and I've heard that it can make you gain weight. Is this true? I'm literally JUST barely fitting into my dress as of now (mistake at the gown shop)....this SCARES ME!

Anyone have any advice?

MissDuke2012 · June 2010

In a month you shouldn't gain that much weight. I've been on it for 6 years, and I think i've gained like 15 lbs. And that happened in the past year of eating unhealthy.

Most likely you won't gain that much. Calm down, and breath. Its just wedding jitters getting to you.

laurenclaire1386 · June 2010

I've been on it since I was 16 and of course I've gained weight since then, but I don't think it had anything to do with BC. Also, I seriously doubt it's possible for BC to make you gain enough weight in just a month to make you unable to fit into your dress. It'll be fine. But working out and eating better never hurt anybody, so consider doing that too, if you're really worried about it.

SarahPLiz · June 2010

I understand not wanting to bring condoms on your honeymoon, but if you are that worried about fitting into your dress, then just wait to go on BC until after the wedding.

Most low dose BC's don't have that effect on most people. Just watch your eating and get some long cardio sessions in to maintain your weight for the next month and a half. By all means, though, don't go on the patch. You don't want red splotches on your ass during your honeymoon. Seriously.

megk8oz · June 2010

I'm not really much help. I did gain a considerable amount of weight (Almost 30 lbs) after going on the pill ... but beforehand I had been really sick for a while and drastically underweight at the time that I started taking it ... so I'm really not sure how much was "the pill" and how much was "recovery".

Although, I will say this, my boobs totally grew after the pill. I was an A cup my entire life, within a few months of going on the pill, I became a full B.

If you do gain weight though, considering how close the wedding is, I really doubt it would start happening right away anyway.. My weight (And cup size) gain was a gradual thing over the course of several months, it wasn't like I took my first pill and gained 20 lbs over night.

tldh · June 2010

It affects everyone differently. If you're like me, your appetite is bigger so that's what you have to watch. I went off it last month because I was on antibiotics for a sinus infection, dropped 5 pounds immediately and now that I'm back on, I could honestly eat everything in the kitchen if I let myself.

thumperinfun · June 2010

Thanks Ladies!!! This was super helpful! I have an extremely high metabolism and have never had weight issues so I think I will just keep eating healthy and exercising.

Getting SO CLOSE!!!!

stephl3055 · June 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:64e9b219-35e6-4099-ae3e-c2adc76f1336Post:60c79639-b58c-45ec-bb2e-1e4d1870b08a">Re: Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]By all means, though, don't go on the patch. You don't want red splotches on your ass during your honeymoon. Seriously.
Posted by SarahPLiz[/QUOTE]

??? I've been on the patch for 5 years and have never gotten red splotches on my ass. I will sometimes break out where the patch was during the summer months, but even then, it's not horrible.

OpalineTowers · June 2010

I gained 40 lbs. in the first month after I started BC. I've since gone off it because it just wasn't a healthy weight for me and working out and healthy eating didn't burn it off.

frogurt814 · June 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:64e9b219-35e6-4099-ae3e-c2adc76f1336Post:5c74eeff-a1bf-4560-9968-7b00c417666b">Re: Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks Ladies!!! This was super helpful! I have an extremely high metabolism and have never had weight issues so I think I will just keep eating healthy and exercising. Getting SO CLOSE!!!! :D
Posted by thumperinfun[/QUOTE]

Ya, if you have a naturally high metabolism and have never had a weight issue, I really don't think you will have anything to worry about.

I would not classify myself as having a high metabolism, and I've never gained weight from being on BC.

AmandalovesAl · June 2010

Been on the pill since I was 17 and never gained anything. It was actually a blessing as it made my periods shorter and more predictable.

That being said, I would also wait until after the wedding. Any kind of medication affects people different ways and I know many girls who had to switch BC's a bunch of times till they found one that worked best. If you have been using condoms this long already, it shouldn't be a big deal to wait another week

kittykaz · June 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:64e9b219-35e6-4099-ae3e-c2adc76f1336Post:d760bd14-733d-4aa0-9e2f-a678ac58680e">Re: Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]I gained 40 lbs. in the first month after I started BC. I've since gone off it because it just wasn't a healthy weight for me and working out and healthy eating didn't burn it off.
Posted by OpalineTowers[/QUOTE]

Wow, I didn't know it was possible to gain 40 lbs in one month. That's crazy. I never noticed any weight gain when I was on the pill

OpalineTowers · June 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:64e9b219-35e6-4099-ae3e-c2adc76f1336Post:d0f5a446-7886-452b-a0e1-b3c565c4c588">Re: Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Birth Control : Wow, I didn't know it was possible to gain 40 lbs in one month. That's crazy. I never noticed any weight gain when I was on the pill
Posted by kittykaz[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I had so many stretch marks! They faded luckily...

sapphirebaby926 · June 2010

I've been on the pill for nearly 4 years now and I haven't experienced any weight gain from it. I also have a high metabolism so that probably helps me out. I doubt that in a month you'll gain enough weight to really adversely affect you fitting into your dress.

blondie82784 · June 2010

Ive been on it since i was 17... Never did I gain weight Ive actually lost a lot... Only thing that ive noticed is that after a 5 years on the pill i was getting really sick to my stomach every day., so i got off of that and went on one with a lower estrogen level and have been on that for 4yrs and the same thing has been happening to me not as bad so I can deal with it but thats my really only negative about the pill

loop0406 · June 2010

I was on the depo-shot for 5 yrs then on ortho-tricyclen low pills for a year. I been the same size, size 3 the whole time. Only thing I did notice and friends commented on now is that when on depo-shot, I looked a little bloated, like water-retention and I worked out like crazy but the little pudge didn't go away. Once I got on the pills, the bloatedness decreased and I felt better

damaless · June 2010

When I expressed this concern to my doctor when I was first going on BC, she said that most BC medications these days have much lower dosages of the hormones than they used to, so it's not really an issue anymore.

nda_roxybabe · June 2010

I gained 15lbs on the pill within about 6 months. I think in just one month you will be fine.

pandasquishy · June 2010

Weight gain as a result of the pill is a myth. Many women go on the pill and gain weight for other reasons (ie: they're getting older, their metabolism is dropping, etc) and confuse it for being because of the pill.

OpalineTowers · June 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:64e9b219-35e6-4099-ae3e-c2adc76f1336Post:deabcd60-e397-4ac8-8e11-33e3d120cc95">Re: Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]Weight gain as a result of the pill is a myth. Many women go on the pill and gain weight for other reasons (ie: they're getting older, their metabolism is dropping, etc) and confuse it for being because of the pill.
Posted by pandasquishy[/QUOTE]

Actually, the weight gain is caused by fluid retention because of hormones. It isn't a myth.

jennylove810 · June 2010

Just wait to go on the pill until after the wedding - dress dilemma solved!

A few more nights of condoms won't kill your new hubby

cschuma2 · June 2010

On a completely different note, sometimes birth control can drastically lower your libido. I would think that the next month of your life is not when you want to feel ZERO in that department. I would just wait until after the wedding to start on the pill in case you are one of the women that experience a negative side effect. Then you can work with your doctor to change your prescription if necessary.

jennylove810 · June 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:64e9b219-35e6-4099-ae3e-c2adc76f1336Post:eece223e-8a96-4f3f-a4b5-62ce472883fc">Re: Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>On a completely different note, sometimes birth control can drastically lower your libido.</strong> I would think that the next month of your life is not when you want to feel ZERO in that department. I would just wait until after the wedding to start on the pill in case you are one of the women that experience a negative side effect. Then you can work with your doctor to change your prescription if necessary.
Posted by cschuma2[/QUOTE]

As a matter of fact, that happened to me. Not good times.

HisCB · June 2010

i recommend getting on bc now and skipping the period week of it so you wont have a period on wedding day or honeymoon.

cschuma2 · June 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:64e9b219-35e6-4099-ae3e-c2adc76f1336Post:a038996a-0767-4cb7-a1d8-ec0fd709be6a">Re: Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Birth Control : As a matter of fact, that happened to me. Not good times.
Posted by jennylove810[/QUOTE]

Jennylove,

Me too.. Which is why I brought it up! I think this is a fairly common side effect. <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-frown.gif" border="0" alt="Frown" title="Frown" />

Simply Fated · June 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:64e9b219-35e6-4099-ae3e-c2adc76f1336Post:517d202d-0b37-4518-a63f-f921357285d1">Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]Am I freaking out too much? I have an OBGYN appt this Friday to get on birth control before my wedding. I have never been on it (we just used rubber before) and I've heard that it can make you gain weight. Is this true? I'm literally JUST barely fitting into my dress as of now (mistake at the gown shop)....this SCARES ME! Anyone have any advice?
Posted by thumperinfun[/QUOTE]

I just started the pill a month ago! I went on it after someone on here discussed my cramps with me and I've been grateful ever since.
I haven't had any bad reactions to the pill, yet... although when I got my period (during the fourth week) the cramps were worse than ever and I got really scared.. Supposedly they do get better and that is what I'm hoping for. If not, then, at least I tried.

Everyone has told me that I could gain weight, but this is not a problem for me, because I could stand to gain some. Water retention is part of it... increase of appetite is another part of it. The doctor at Planned Parenthood suggested I just take note of my appetite increases, if there are any, and to eat healthy if I do notice a drastic weight increase.

I would really suggest some routine excercise (walking is supposed to be good for water weight, right?) and laying off the excess fats, sugars, and salts until the big day.

miah_23_ncb · June 2010

LIke they said it affects evryone diffrently but for me it has really increased my

Apetitite

AmandalovesAl · June 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:64e9b219-35e6-4099-ae3e-c2adc76f1336Post:34e8ef6b-3c5c-45b2-b8d1-42a7032a5a94">Re: Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]i recommend getting on bc now and skipping the period week of it so you wont have a period on wedding day or honeymoon.
Posted by HisCB[/QUOTE]

I tried this once when my FI and I went away..it didn't work. It delayed my period for like a day and then came and was actually worse.

jenn.daniel · June 2010

I'm not too much help either. I gained 15 pounds in 8 months after starting the pill. However, when I was there I found out that I was underweight and needed to gain the 15 lb to get up to a healthy weight. I made a conscious effort to get more calories - I don't *think* the pill contributed much.

sapphirebaby926 · June 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:64e9b219-35e6-4099-ae3e-c2adc76f1336Post:eece223e-8a96-4f3f-a4b5-62ce472883fc">Re: Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>On a completely different note, sometimes birth control can drastically lower your libido.</strong> I would think that the next month of your life is not when you want to feel ZERO in that department. I would just wait until after the wedding to start on the pill in case you are one of the women that experience a negative side effect. Then you can work with your doctor to change your prescription if necessary.
Posted by cschuma2[/QUOTE]

<div>This also happened to me - it sucks. But I'll be getting off the pill once I finish this pack because I don't like the way it makes me feel and DH and I will use other methods of BC.</div>

jamjar11 · June 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_birth-control?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:64e9b219-35e6-4099-ae3e-c2adc76f1336Post:eece223e-8a96-4f3f-a4b5-62ce472883fc">Re: Birth Control</a>:
[QUOTE]On a completely different note, sometimes birth control can drastically lower your libido. I would think that the next month of your life is not when you want to feel ZERO in that department. I would just wait until after the wedding to start on the pill in case you are one of the women that experience a negative side effect. Then you can work with your doctor to change your prescription if necessary.
Posted by cschuma2[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>I had heard this... but I actually had the exact opposite reaction!</div><div>
</div><div>I was on ortho-tricyclen for years and then went off for a while because I was only working part time. I wasn't in any relationships for while, or even come across any guys who made me go "hmmm, I should consider going back to BC" so I was off for about 2 years (I know, sad). </div><div>
</div><div>When FI and I met and got serious, I decided it was time to go back on, but had to wait a bit again because of insurance/money issues. But I noticed that my libido was incredibly low some months, but I couldn't figure out why. Sometimes it would be like 3 months where I didn't have any kind of mojo. It freaked me out, so I went to the doc and she put me through labs, and it turned out I had PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)! So my hormones were completely topsy turvy. The doc put me back on ortho-tricyclen and after the first month I was starting to feel like my old self.</div>

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