D.K.
Lots of great information from Nicole. The only thing that I want to add is what a blood clot looks like. (This is from my own experiences and is by no means the ONLY correct answer)
When I was on the pill, I developed "bruises" all over my legs, from the knees down. They were typically the size of a 50 cent coin (bigger than a quarter for those of you who don't remember the 50 cent!)
Right in the center of the bruise, it felt like a tiny pebble.
The bruises were reddish in color.
When I developed so many, I went to the doctor and was told that I had blood clots - and lots of them!!!!!
(Then he went on to ask me why I didn't stop taking the pill if I developed blood clots. Well, no one ever described what they would look like!)
So, FYI!!!!! Be careful and I would also suggest that you find other bc options. It's not worth losing you life . . . . .
D. in milwaukee