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Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs)

OCPs have been prescribed to you for several reasons. They may be given to you one or more months prior to your treatment cycle in an effort to improve your cycle outcome. They have not been ordered for birth control purposes but for hormone and cycle regulation. You may take these with most other antibiotics if necessary.

What are the advantages to using OCPs?

Enhance ovarian responsiveness

Minimize the occurrence of a corpus luteum (post-ovulatory) cyst

Eliminate the concern for documenting ovulation prior to the start of Lupron or Synarel

Eliminate the possibility of starting the Lupron or Synarel while pregnant

Improve schedule flexibility

Add benefits for an endometriosis or PCO patient

What kind of OCPs are used?

They should contain both an estrogen and progestin (not progestin-only)

They should be monophasic pills not Triphasic)

Most low dose brands are fine, generic is OK

You may not take OCPs if any of the following conditions exist:

Smoking, if you are over 35 years old

History of breast or uterine cancer

History of any blood clot or phlebitis

Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)

Presence of gallstones

Collagen vascular disorder, for example systemic lupus erythematosis

History of liver disease

Taking medication for a seizure disorder

Possible side effects of OCPS

Nausea- if this happens, try taking your OCP at bedtime

Unscheduled bleeding or spotting-this is not your menses, you do not need to call us

These are the most common, call us for any other problems while taking the pills

Directions

Start taking one "real" tablet (there are 21) within the first week. Continue daily and do no take the inert tablets (there are 7).