Update about the pill

I still have my loop ileo (take-down in six weeks), so I'm using even a bit less of my small intestine than someone with a functioning j-pouch, and I have had absolutely no issues with absorption. I absorb the big huge pain pills no problem, and the BC pill is tiny compared to those. Also, if I was not getting complete absorption of the BC pill, I would start having break-through bleeding, which I have had none of. There has been absolutely no reason or indication that the pill wouldn't absorb. My doctors in the hospital administered my BC pill to me right after my surgery and said I should have no problem absorbing meds unless they were time-released.

And I have to agree with the uses and benefits of the birth control pill... It works wonders for lessening the frequency, duration, and intensity of my period. (If you get the right one.) I only menstruate every three months, and even then it's only for a few days, and I get almost no PMS or other symptoms/effects - no mood swings, bloating, or cramping. This was really great when I had UC (since my period would otherwise wreak havoc on my UC symptoms), and I'm sure it will be just as beneficial for my J-pouch after take-down. Plus, it has cleared my acne like nothing else has ever been able to.

I am a big proponent and would continue taking it for these benefits alone, regardless of my sex life.

I took the pill for years and I can say confidently that my body DEFINITELY absorbed it. I would frequently take two or 3 packs in a row (with MD approval) and get my period only every 8 or 12 weeks. I had no problem with this so obviously it was the hormones in the pill doing this. It cleared up my skin, made my periods lighter and generally was great!

I was told by my doctor (who backed it up by showing me clinical evidence) that the pill will be absorbed. However, as a precaution I was moved from a low dose of hormones to a high dose.

I tried the pill for 3 months and had my period the entire time it was horrible. My doctor blamed it on me not having a colon and not being able to absorb it said it would be useless to try any other kind and now I'm on the Depo. Have been reading more about the Depo though and don't know if the health risks are worth it.

Look into the mirena IUD. painful initially, maybe first couple months, but supposedly not as traumatic to the body as depo and some of the birth control pills.

I have a question on this topic. I have tried a couple different birth control methods. One pill and nuva ring they didn't agree with me. Now im on a different pill and I'm showing the same effects: bloated, gassy as in belching a lot more than normal and some minor stomach pain. Has anyone every experienced these side effects. Im taking the pill to help with acne and im not sure its worth it.

Have you considered the patch?

Jan

Do they have the subdermal thingy that they inject under the skin that releases the correct dosage for 1-3 yrs??? For those of you who have doubts this could be a good solution for perfect dosage and no unpleasant surprises.
Sharon