Expert: Diane Cheryl - 10/21/2006

Question
I got on the pill a little after i met my boyfriend which was about 2years ago. And ever since then I've been having complications. When I first started I had Orthro-Tryciclin Lo. I kept getting this white or sometimes whitish yellow discharge and it made me itch. There was swelliing and redness. Very painful to have sex. This would happen every month either right before or after my period. So after using those pills for about a year, I finally figured it was the pill. I didnt want to stop so I switched. The last one is called Aviane. Every thing cleared up and I felt just fine. But then after a couple months, I started kind of getting anxiety attacks. I'd get really bad headaches. Every morning I would have the most excruciating pain in my stomach above my belly button. You could actually see my stomach pulsating up and down. Then I usually vomit which is why I lost so much weight(30 lbs.). Ive been lto doctors and specialists and had all kinds of tests that all came back normal. No one can figure whats wrong with me. I'm kind of afraid for my relationship with my boyfriend b/c i get these mood swings and he's getting tired of that and I cant blame him. I quit taking them as of last night. But I need some kind of birth control pills. My boyfriend and I have alot of sex so buying things like over the counter is way to expensive for us right now. What about creams, gels, or foams. Are they effective at all? Please I need Help!

Answer
Hi Dana,
I would like to try to answer your questions but first of all, I want to let you know that I am not a medical doctor. You should consult with your physician about your questions.
There are risks and side effects to every kind of birth control pill and I see that you are finding this out. Your problems seem to be more than average so you should consider finding another method or abstain until marriage or until you would like a baby. I'm hoping that you going off of the pill will help you to be more healthy. Most birth control methods are not 100% effective. I could do more research if you like--just email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com
I hope this helps you and please check with your doctor as I mentioned. Hope to hear from you soon.
Diane Cheryl
DCHERYL51@yahoo.com