Hi all! I started on the combined pill (rigevidon) on October 22nd for the first time about a week before my period was due. I know that starting mid-cycle isn’t recommended and can cause some side effects. I usually start getting cramps the week before my period starts so I was already getting some when I started on the pill. However, I’m still getting these cramps. I wasn’t sure if I would even get my period that was due (I still haven’t had it as of now). They’re not as severe as my usual period cramps and I think they’ve lessened in frequency over the last week or so but I’m just wondering if these cramps are something I should be concerned about? Any advice/wisdom greatly appreciated <3

Starting mid-cycle is completely fine. I don’t know who told you it’s not recommended, but they should not be the ones giving you any advice. Side effects can happen regardless of when you start or how long you use birth control for, they aren’t connected. The adjustment period for birth control is 3-6 months, in which you can experience increased side effects. Usually after the adjustment phase these side effects will get less, but you will not be immune to them. Some people don’t experience side effects, others do. Cramps are a normal side effect of birth control. This {6z5uXrNN8} might be of help to you as it explains a lot about the pill and birth control in general. There’s also a section about bleeds, as you don’t experience an actual period (and as to why it doesn’t matter if you stop bleeding altogether).