seasonale is the best invention ever. i couldn't deal at all with cramps and mood swings every three weeks. because you only get your period every three months, you may have some spotting, but it's normal.

the doctor may ask about smoking because estrogen can increase your chances of blood clots (hence the risk of stroke and heart attack), and smoking increases this risk.

the most important things about using the pill as birth control: try to take it at the same time every day, and don't skip doses. if you do skip a dose, take 2 at once (it says this in the drug info. ask your doc for a sample and you'll get one of these. be sure to read it.) ALSO antibiotics can reduce efficacy, so when you get sick and have to take them, be sure to also use a condom. a lot of people end up pregnant that way.