First Time Taking Birth Control Pills: Managing Side Effects and Travel Tips

First time taking oral contraceptives and traveling abroad?

Hello, doctor! I have seen your name in the Q&A and decided to consult you.
Thank you for your thorough responses to everyone.
This is my first time taking the contraceptive pill.
I started taking Dianne (21 pills) on May 21, after my period began on May 17.
During the first seven days, I experienced slight bloating, burping, and dry nausea in the mornings.
On the eighth day, these symptoms became particularly intense, with severe dry nausea, bloating, and continuous burping.
Could this be due to sleeping over 10 hours for several days, causing strong side effects from the medication? (I slept over 10 hours on the weekend.) Or are these just normal side effects because I’m nervous since it’s my first time? Is there a way to alleviate these side effects? Can I take stomach medication to ease them? Am I unsuitable for this medication? (This medication was prescribed by a doctor for the first time.) If I switch to another brand, should I start with the first pill of the new pack or finish the current one first?
Additionally, I have another question.
Since I started the first pack on May 21 and plan to stop on June 10, but I will be traveling to an island country on June 16 and will be swimming during the break, I want to avoid getting my period.
A doctor previously advised me to start the next pack immediately and continue until I return (on June 20), then stop for 7 days, and start the next pack on the 8th day.
If I take the contraceptive pill for an additional 10 days, will this cause my period to be delayed? Do I need to adjust my cycle back? How should I do that, or is it not a concern?

Sunny, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/05/28

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I am taking the birth control pill for the first time.
My period started on May 17, and I began taking Diane on May 21 (21 pills).
During the first seven days, I experienced slight bloating, burping, and dry nausea in the mornings.
On the eighth day, these symptoms became particularly intense, with strong dry nausea, bloating, and continuous burping.
Could this be due to the medication's strong side effects from sleeping over 10 hours for several days (I slept over 10 hours on the weekend), or is it just normal side effects because I am nervous about taking it for the first time? Is there a way to alleviate these side effects? Can I take antacids to help? Am I unsuitable for this medication? (This medication was prescribed by a doctor for the first time.) If I switch to another brand, should I start with the first pill of the new pack or finish the current pack first?
Answer: Dry nausea is a side effect of estrogen, while bloating and burping are side effects of progesterone.
If these symptoms are intolerable, you may need to choose a birth control pill with a lower dosage.
Additionally, I have another question.
Since I started the first pack on May 21 and will stop taking it on June 10, but I am traveling to an island country on June 16 and will be swimming during the break, I want to avoid getting my period.
The doctor previously advised me to start the next pack immediately until I return (on June 20), then stop for 7 days, and start the next pack on the 8th day.
If I take the birth control pills for an additional 10 days, will my period be affected? Do I need to adjust the timing, and how should I do that? Or is it not a concern?
Answer: Starting the next pack on June 10 is a method for extending your cycle.
It is normal for your next period date to change, and this is not a concern.

Reply Date: 2018/05/28

More Info

When it comes to starting birth control pills for the first time, it's important to understand how they work, what side effects you might experience, and how to manage your menstrual cycle, especially if you have travel plans.
Firstly, regarding the effectiveness of birth control pills, they typically take about seven days to become fully effective if you start taking them after the first day of your menstrual period. If you begin taking them on the first day of your period, they are effective immediately. In your case, since you started taking the pill on the fifth day of your cycle, you should use additional contraception (like condoms) for the first seven days to ensure you are protected against pregnancy.

Now, concerning the side effects you mentioned, such as bloating, gas, and nausea, these can be common when starting a new hormonal contraceptive. Your symptoms may be exacerbated by factors like stress or changes in your sleep patterns, such as sleeping for more than ten hours. It’s not uncommon for your body to react strongly to the introduction of hormones, especially if it's your first time taking them. If these side effects are bothersome, you might consider over-the-counter remedies for nausea, but it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any medication, including antacids or other gastrointestinal aids.

If you find that the side effects are too uncomfortable, you might want to discuss switching to a different brand or formulation of birth control with your doctor. When switching pills, it’s generally recommended to finish the current pack before starting a new one, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Regarding your travel plans and the desire to manage your menstrual cycle, it is indeed possible to skip your period by continuing to take the active pills from a second pack without taking the placebo pills. This is a common practice among those who wish to avoid menstruation during important events or trips. However, keep in mind that this can sometimes lead to breakthrough bleeding or spotting, especially if your body is still adjusting to the hormones.
After you return from your trip, if you decide to stop taking the pills, your menstrual cycle may be slightly disrupted, and it could take a month or two for your cycle to regulate back to its normal pattern. If you want to adjust your cycle back to a specific schedule, you can do so by managing the timing of when you start and stop taking the pills, but it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

In summary, starting birth control pills can come with some initial side effects, but these often diminish over time. If you have concerns about your symptoms or how to manage your menstrual cycle around travel, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your specific situation. They can help you navigate any adjustments you may need to make and ensure that you are using the most suitable contraceptive method for your lifestyle.

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