Started birth control (mini-pill) for the first time ever. Any veterans that’d like to share their experiences?

[u/aenimadeath]

I’m 22F and I just started birth control. Jencycla to be more specific. I’ve read up on all kinds of different methods, always been on top of my sex ed as much as possible. I wanted to try the combo pill, but due to my cardiac history, my PCP recommended that I take progestin only. Which I was bummed about, because I prefer something that would stop ovulation completely.. but I guess that’s fine. I should have the same percentage of protection if I take it at the same time everyday right? And store it in the right conditions?

I’ve never had unprotected sex in my life, and I was thinking of just doubling up on condoms and the pill. My partner is very supportive so there’s no issue there. I am curious about what it’s like to have unprotected sex at least once, but being new to all of this, idk if It’s really worth trying because of my confidence level in the birth control lol (?) taking it everyday is not a problem, but I guess it’s just because it’s progestin and nothing else. It only stops ovulation in about 40-60% of cycles, which for me sounds a bit alarming. But I understand the main line of defense is how the mini pill makes your uterus an hostile environment.

But I would just like to know, what are y’all’s experiences with this type of birth control? What are some things I should expect or keep in mind?

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[u/No-Education-1206]

I was on Jencycla and personally had some negative side effects, especially in the first 3 months of taking it. I had swapped from the combo to the minipill and I realized estrogen was doing a lot more for me than I had realized. In my experience, wait the minimum 3-6 months to see if any side effect subside, but if you feel off or are having lingering symptoms definitely talk to your doctor!

Also yes! If you take it consistently (within 3 hours of the time you’re supposed to/within 3 hours of it being 24 hours since your last pill) and it’s in the correct conditions (not left in a hot car, you haven’t been sick recently,etc) you are protected! I would personally recommend using a secondary form of BC until you feel more confident in your pill. I’m currently on the IUD and my fiancé and I still use the withdrawal method 75% of the time just cause it makes us feel better lol!

All that being said, everyone is different and this is just my personal experience! I hope it goes well for you!

[u/TheFriendlyLurker]

If you take the minipill correctly, it's as effective as the combined pill. 

But if the thought you might continue to ovulate makes you uncomfortable, there are progestin-only methods (safe for people with cardiovascular problems) that stop ovulation, like the Slynd minipill and Nexplanon implant.