First Time Taking Birth Control Pills ?

You need to spend a lot more time learning about this method.

- When given the pills should I take them that day?

Yes, but it's best to time it with the start of your menstrual cycle.

- What are side effects I may have?

There are many potential side-effects ranging from increased yeast infections, irregular bleeding, acne, weight gain, aggression, anxiety, depression, eye problems, irritable bowel syndrome, through to more serious risks such as blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. Remember that as your menstrual cycles will be suppressed it means that you lose the benefits of your cycles and your ability to care for sexual health is reduced, it can effect your body in a wide variety of ways including lowering your immune system and bodies ability to absorb nutrients. At your age development and bone health may be effected. A good doctor will help you avoid symptoms, but it will still always have an effect on your body.

- What is the most common brand?

Not sure, it varies for a number of reasons. Do your research on whatever brand you're given prior to taking them, also Yaz and Yasmin are particularly problematic so best avoided.

- How long until it's effective?

It depends on when in your cycle you start taking the pills and the particular type of brand you use, usually it's effective from one week however it's recommended not to use this as your primary birth control method for the first month to be safe - ideally you should be using condoms or femidoms anyway.

I suggest you consider non-hormonal birth control options for now.

It's a bad idea to use hormonal birth control when you have irregular menstrual cycles - it's a complete myth that it regulates cycles, it actually has completely the opposite effect as it suppresses menstrual cycles to prevent ovulation. As you no longer ovulate you no longer menstruate, the bleeding women get on the pill is a withdrawal bleed caused by the drop in synthetic hormones when going from active to inactive pills. As such it covers-up irregularity, although your irregular cycles may be normal due to your age they may also be a sign of an underlying health problem that should be addressed first.

Birth Control Bingo: The Combination Pill - http://www.scarleteen.com/birth_control_bingo_the_...

There is no common brand, they are all just basically healthier off-brands of YAZ, etc. You ALWAYS start your pills AFTER each period. I always start the day when there's almost no blood on the tampon/pad. If you spot/randomly bleed in the middle of the cycle, keep taking them, don't stop because it will screw it up even more. It will take a month or two or even more to get into a good rhythm. You should be able to be protected from getting prego about a week after the pills.

Side effects are weight gain, acne, mood swings, etc.

I like to start my packs on the first Sunday after my period. It's just easier to keep track of - but you can start immediately, to my knowledge. Ask your doctor what they think is best.

Depending on the type of pill you choose, you'll have differing side-effects, as birth control affects every woman differently. There are combination pills and progestin-only pills. Most women take combination. I have yet to have any very noticeable side-effects with my pills (Microgestin) and I've been taking them for three years.

Some women notice weight gain, some notice weight loss. Some have lighter, more manageable periods, others don't. Everyone reacts differently. :) I believe progestin-only pills affect women the most. Progestin-only is also more difficult for a lot of women to use effectively, as it must be taken at the same time every day, where you have a bit more flexibility with combination pills.

There are many different types of combination pills, and like I said, I take Microgestin, but a common progestin-only pill is Yaz.

Combination pills are effective after 7 days of continuous use, and you become at risk for pregnancy if you miss your pills on certain days (immediately after your placebo week or right before), but usually, if you've been taking it correctly and it's during Week 2 or Week 3 that you miss a pill, you're usually okay (doesn't mean you should do it, though!). Progestin-only is effective after two days, though you're at risk for pregnancy if you're more than three hours late taking it.

Instead of sitting and examining, listen to books on tape while you walk, clean, or garden.

Put way up more Christmas lights.

Slide a little trampoline under your couch as well as pull it out for Residence of Cards marathons.

Slide a smaller trampoline under your couch and pull it out for Household of Cards marathons.

Do you notice anything else besides acne? Facial hair, thinning hair, weight gain or skin tags?

You may have PCOS.

Drink lots regarding water. (You'll stand up for refills and trips for the bathroom. )

Give the delivery guy some slack; when you order food in, pick it up yourself.