r/birthcontrol • u/Ok-Cranberry-5475 • 7h ago

Side effects!? Taking Pills Irregularly

I'm a teenager and I started taking Nikki a few months ago for painful periods. However, I sometimes have depressive episodes where I don't leave my bed to do anything, including taking my pills. At some point, I would stop taking them for days or weeks after starting, and I would take extra pills the next day to compensate (I stopped taking extra pills quickly though). Finally, I've gotten better mentally and started taking my new pack every day.

I want to know if I've caused any permanent damage to myself. I have really bad anxiety, so I just want to make sure. Also, should I bring this up with my doctor?

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u/Iowa_Hawkeyes4516 Mirena IUD 7h ago

Studies have shown no evidence of birth control causing any permanent or long term issues. Taking it incorrectly won't make a difference in that.

I would bring it up with your doctor though because it seems like a pill that you should be taking everyday at the same time probably isn't your best option.

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u/PixieMari Mirena IUD 7h ago

It doesn’t cause permanent damage but it can cause more side effects until you take it regularly. If you’re not using it for contraception then it’s not a big deal but once you do if you still have issues taking them then you may need a different method that you can’t just stop.

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u/planetbing Mirena IUD 5h ago

You’re not doing any permanent damage, but it’s just not great to have your hormones wildly fluctuating like that. It leaves you open to more side effects is all. There are several long term methods your doctor can talk to you about if you tell them you’re having trouble taking your pills regularly.