I am very interested to know country you're living in if you are able to get a hormone-altering pill such as the BCP without a prescription.
That should be made illegal and is dangerous if used incorrectly.

You can get the emergency contraceptive pill without a prescription. Not the pack.

Thanks spunkberry! I have been working and living in Manila Philippines for the past 2 years now. The thing here is that you can get a pack of bcp like its as if youre just buying panadol or some medicine over the counter.. There's also watsons here and i can get my pills there without the pharmacists asking for my RX.

hi, what brands of birth control pills are available in malaysia? i've been on yasmin for 1/2 year. it makes me tired and kills my libido. i'm planning to switch but unsure of which brand to switch to. i heard alesse(Lessina, Aviane, Lutera) is a lower dosage one but is it available in malaysia? also i know diane is popular but it's not fdi approved in the us? and i heard of hair loss problems as well? kinda worried. any recommendations?

Brand names for birth control pills mean NOTHING. you should also be aware that all birth control pills kill the libido somewhat, just some not as much as others. As for recommendations as to which "brand" you should switch to, that is a discussion you should have with your doctor. They would know what is really a lower dosage and what is FDA approved.

From my experience as a sales assistant in a pharmacy, most customers who request for emergency contraceptive pills didn't consult  doctor for it. They came for the "morning after pill" mostly without prescription letters. In fact they are not educated about RISK of overdosing the pills. These would usually result in hormonal imbalance of the body and may increase risk of cancers caused by sex hormones.

there is no prescription required for the emergency contraceptive pill. but it seems to me that a lot of Malaysian women think that the emergency pill can be taken on a regular basis ... which is a great indicator of how shitty our sex education is.

Hi. Can i ask you about Emergency Contraception?

The morning after pill, does it has any brand? Can you recommend some of them?  How much usually it cost if i buy it at pharmacy?
Yes there are particular brands for the Plan B pill, but brand names do not matter .. only the method (single pill or dual pill etc.). I am not familiar with those available in Malaysia, and suggest you ask the girls like munkeyflo and uest91 and some of the other women in this thread for these things, though I have heard of Postinor 1 and 2. I don't know how much it costs in Malaysia, again please refer to the girls I have mentioned, or look through the thread.

How to consume the pill?
Swallow it like you would a regular tablet. Preferably as soon as possible. It is most effective within 24 hours of unprotected sex, and least effective after 72 hours

I read about some article regarding the side effect of the pill : nausea, headache, etc. Is it very seriously pain? 
Every single medication you take - for the flu, heartburn, headaches, everything - will have side effects. No they should not be very painful. If they are, see a doctor.

How to know to stop consume the pill? (Since the pill is not for long term).
There is a limited number you need to take. Don't worry about it.

Is there any condition where she is not suitable to take the pill?
If she is on medication like antibiotics, because this lessens the effect.

Disclaimer: This is extra information that may or may not apply to Malaysians, but it's always good to know

Credit: randdom

Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs)
The Government and various health bods are very keen on promoting these to young people as they are more reliable than the Pill – there’s less opportunity for user error and they last a long time.  There are three main types: Injections, Implants and IUD/IUS.

Before going any further, however, it is important to say that NONE of these protect you against STIs so you MUST use condoms every time or get yourself and your partner checked out before using any of these on their own, for the sake of your own fertility and mental and physical health.

The following are a number of resources on the LARCs (and other contraception).  If you still have questions, please post below and I will attempt to respond to your questions the best I can. Ask Google first, of course.
Firstly, the wiki has a great and very comprehensive article on all types of contraception, their advantages and disadvantages.  Look here.
Other useful websites are the NHS Choices website where you can search for information on the different types of contraception and the FPA’s leaflet section which has info leaflets on everything under the sun.

Now, some basic facts and useful links for all the options:

Injection
This is an injection of progesterone, usually given in the buttock, leg or arm.  There are two main types – Noristerat and Depo Provera.  They work by stopping ovulation, as well as making your cervical mucus thicker and the lining of your uterus less receptive to a fertilised egg.
Duration. 8 (Noristerat) or 12 (Depo Provera) weeks depending on type.  It is extremely important not to be late for your next injection, as you may no longer be protected against pregnancy.
Efficacy. >99% - Depo Provera is slightly more effective than Noristerat.
Starting the injection.  If you have your first injection within 5 days of the start of your period, you are immediately protected from pregnancy.  At any other point in your cycle, you need to use a condom for the first 7 days after your first injection.
More information, including side-effects and contra-indications.
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Contr...tive_Injections
http://www.fpa.org.uk/information/leaflets...m?contentid=135
Some practices may not offer the injection to under 18s as it affects bone growth and your skeleton may still be developing.

Implanon
This is a matchstick-sized piece of plastic which is fitted under the skin on the inner side of the upper arm.  It releases progesterone at a steady rate, preventing pregnancy in the same way as the injection.
Duration. 3 years.
Efficacy. >99.9%.  Fewer than 1/1000 women will get pregnant in the three years they have the implant.
Starting the implant.  As with the injection, if inserted in the first 5 days of your cycle, you will be protected immediately, otherwise you must use condoms for 7 days.  Some places like you to try Cerazette (a POP with a similar hormone to the implant) for a few months first to see if the hormones agree with you.  If this is the case, you just need to carry on taking that for the first 7 days you have the implant in.
More information, including side-effects and contra-indications.
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/The_C...ceptive_Implant
http://www.fpa.org.uk/information/leaflets...m?contentid=133

Mirena IUS
The Mirena IUS is a small T-shaped plastic device which sits inside your uterus.  Like the implant, it releases progesterone at a constant rate.  However, as it is within the uterus, the progesterone mainly acts locally rather than via the bloodstream so it is less likely that ovulation will be suppressed.  It mainly prevents pregnancy by thinning the uterine lining (endometrium) and increasing the thickness of cervical mucus.  Because of its effects on the endometrium, it tends to make periods much lighter and is often also used as a treatment for heavy periods.
Duration. 5 years.
Efficacy >99%.  Fewer than 1/100 women will get pregnant in the 5 years they have the IUS.
Starting the IUS. The same rules apply for which point in the cycle to get it inserted (and use condoms for 7 days if needed).  Having an IUS inserted increases the risk of infections, so it is a good idea to have an STI check before you get one inserted (some places may offer this as part of the service).  It can be quite an uncomfortable procedure so taking a couple of painkillers beforehand might be a good idea.
More information, including side-effects and contra-indications.
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Contr...ystem_.5BIUS.5D
http://www.fpa.org.uk/information/leaflets...m?contentID=153

IUD
Formerly known as the copper coil, this is another T-shaped (usually) plastic device with copper wrapped around it, which sits inside your uterus.  It does not contain any hormones, and is believed to work because the copper in it is toxic to sperm and prevents the implantation of a fertilised egg.  For these reasons, the copper IUD can also be used as emergency contraception if inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex.  Unlike the Mirena, copper IUDs tend to make periods heavier after they are inserted, although this can improve with time.
Duration. 5-10 years, depending on type (make sure you check!)
Efficacy. Around 99% depending on type – newer designs are better than older ones.
Starting the IUD. I wasn’t able to find information about what stage of the cycle it needs to be inserted, though I believe it’s usually done mid-cycle as this reduces the risk of expulsion.  As with the Mirena, it’s very important to be checked for STIs before getting an IUD as it increases the risk of getting pelvic inflammatory disease.
More information, including side-effects and contra-indications.
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/intrauterine-...What-is-it.aspx
http://www.fpa.org.uk/information/leaflets...m?contentid=151

The Patch
The birth control patch is a thin, beige, 1¾-inch (4½-centimeter) square patch that sticks to the skin. It releases hormones through the skin into the bloodstream to prevent pregnancy. Hormones are chemical substances that control the functioning of the body's organs.
Duration. One a week for three weeks, and none for the fourth week to allow a period.
Efficacy. Around 99%, comparable to the Pill
Starting the Patch.
It's important to apply a new patch on the same day every week to ensure that it keeps working effectively. For example, a girl who applies her first patch on a Monday should always apply her patches on a Monday. When it's time to change the patch, pull the old one off first, before applying a new patch. Place the new patch on a different area from the old patch (but still on one of the four recommended areas listed above) to avoid skin irritation. Don't apply the patch to skin that is red, irritated, or cut. The patch should not be applied over makeup, creams, lotions, powder, or other skin products as these may prevent it from sticking well. (Skin products may also affect how hormones are absorbed by the skin.)
More information, including side-effects and contra-indications.
http://www.orthoevra.com/
http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/sexual...h/bc_patch.html
http://std.emedtv.com/birth-control-patch/...de-effects.html

NuvaRing®
NuvaRing® is an easy-to-use birth control option that, when used as directed, is just as effective as the Pill. But with NuvaRing®, you don’t have to take it every day in order to get a full month of pregnancy protection. In a given 1-month period, NuvaRing® must be inserted into your vagina, removed after 3 weeks, and a new ring must be inserted no more than 7 days later. NuvaRing® is a different form of birth control. It’s a flexible ring about 2” in diameter that you insert vaginally once a month. Once inside, NuvaRing® releases a continuous low dose of hormones to prevent pregnancy.
Duration. Every 3 weeks, with a week between rings to allow for a period.
Efficacy. Around 99%, comparable to the Pill and the Patch.
Starting NuvaRing®.
If you haven’t used a hormonal birth control in the past month or have been using only condoms, a diaphragm, or other barrier method of birth control in the past month: Count the first day of your menstrual period as Day 1, and insert your first NuvaRing® into your vagina on or before Day 5 (but no later, even if you have not finished your period). During this first cycle, use an extra method of birth control, such as male condoms or spermicide, for the first 7 days of NuvaRing® use. If you insert NuvaRing® on Day 1, it is not necessary to use an extra method of birth control.
More information, including side-effects and contra-indications.
http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/index.asp
http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/aboutNuva...fects/index.asp

Sounds good - how do I get one?
Your first port of call should be your GP or local FPA clinic, to discuss the risks and benefits of any of the above methods, and whether they'd be suitable for you.  Certain medications and medical conditions can affect which ones are appropriate, as well as your personal preferences. 

Once you've decided what you want, you may be able to get it at your GP if they have suitably trained staff, or they may have to refer you to the FPA or another clinic - this is particularly common for implants and IUS/IUDs as not all GPs are trained in inserting them.  You may need to get a prescription for the device and pick it up from the pharmacist yourself, or they may have them ready for you at the clinic - check what the protocol is.  If you are already on the pill or other contraception, you will need to discuss when to stop this - before or after the changeover.

All of these are usually inserted relatively quickly and you can then carry on with your normal life and enjoy the freedom of not having to think about contraception!  (This does NOT mean you don't have to think about STIs though...)

Spunkberry, I notice quite a number of people asking about ECP here.
Just for their info, there's a whole thread about ECP in H&F section. I think it should go into the first few posts so people will be directed there as there's tons of info on ECP there. 

Link: http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/176435

hey girls,

for those of u who are taking BCP, do u experience vaginal dryness problem?

If a girl rarely have period, then she take the pills, and period comes (±7 days after pills). Is it possible for her to have another period about a month after the last time she had one due to the pills?