I was wondering exactly how long the pill takes to kick in and when it is safe to have sex without a condom. I looked all over the internet for info and it seems like every site says something different. I think it depends on when exactly she started which was the sunday before she got her period, and i know her period came really late and light as a result of that. Thanks.
Birth Control
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SweetErika
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This info comes from the instructions of my pills (but it's the same for all), but if you're in doubt, call your local Planned Parenthood or Sexual Health Clinic or Doctor.
1) You take the first active pill on either the Sunday AFTER your period starts (if it starts on Sunday, take it that day) OR the day your period begins.
It sounds like your SO took it a week too early, which can be a problem. Call the doctor or clinic to find out how to fix it.
2) You need to use another form of contraception for AT LEAST 7 days after starting the pill.
I'm fond of safety and advocate condoms all of the time, but if you don't go that route, it won't hurt to use them for a full cycle while you make sure the pill is working and she has the routine down.
1) You take the first active pill on either the Sunday AFTER your period starts (if it starts on Sunday, take it that day) OR the day your period begins.
It sounds like your SO took it a week too early, which can be a problem. Call the doctor or clinic to find out how to fix it.
2) You need to use another form of contraception for AT LEAST 7 days after starting the pill.
I'm fond of safety and advocate condoms all of the time, but if you don't go that route, it won't hurt to use them for a full cycle while you make sure the pill is working and she has the routine down.
morninggirl5
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It depends not only on when she started taking the pill, but also what kind of pill it is. My gyn told me with the lower dose trii-phasic types she wouldn't advise relying on the pill alone until after the first week of the second pack of pills.
ethicalslut
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The pill I was on for a while (no health insurance now = no birth control) said one week, but my doctor told me that given the extraordinarily fertile history in my family (my mom went in recently at age 50 and her "fertility" numbers were like that of a 25 year-old!) and the irregularity of my periods, that I should still use backup for the first month.
Not sure if she was just being over-cautious, but BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY.
Not sure if she was just being over-cautious, but BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY.
dollface007
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Your girlfriend should ask the doctor who wrote the prescription.
Vixandra
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Best bet- ask the doc.
If that's not possible- wait till she's been on the pill for 5 weeks.
They're not fool proof though- both of my younger brothers were pill babies (ie born while mom was still on the pill).
I'd recommend using a condom- better safe then sorry.
If that's not possible- wait till she's been on the pill for 5 weeks.
They're not fool proof though- both of my younger brothers were pill babies (ie born while mom was still on the pill).
I'd recommend using a condom- better safe then sorry.
Derya
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Read the Instructions
Umm unless I've missed something every prescription of oral contraceptives I've ever received had instructions enclosed that thoroughly explain use and timing of protective value depending on your starting day. In my experience they've all stated if you start your first pill pack within the 24 hrs that your period starts you're covered from day one. If you start the first Sunday after your period additional protection is suggested for the first seven days. Certainly additional protection is good at the beginning regardless. Common sense...like any medicine it is more effective the more it has built up in your system and had the time to be effective.
Additionally with the package inserts there is usually a toll free number for inquiries and assistance to the pharmacuetical provider of the brand you're using....a helpline or what have you. I have called to inquire previously about medicinal interactions affecting the effectiveness of my pills such as particular antibioitics etc and these assistance personnel are very thorough and helpful.
Umm unless I've missed something every prescription of oral contraceptives I've ever received had instructions enclosed that thoroughly explain use and timing of protective value depending on your starting day. In my experience they've all stated if you start your first pill pack within the 24 hrs that your period starts you're covered from day one. If you start the first Sunday after your period additional protection is suggested for the first seven days. Certainly additional protection is good at the beginning regardless. Common sense...like any medicine it is more effective the more it has built up in your system and had the time to be effective.
Additionally with the package inserts there is usually a toll free number for inquiries and assistance to the pharmacuetical provider of the brand you're using....a helpline or what have you. I have called to inquire previously about medicinal interactions affecting the effectiveness of my pills such as particular antibioitics etc and these assistance personnel are very thorough and helpful.
morninggirl5
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You should also keep in mind that the effectiveness is based on "perfect use" of the pill, meaning that it's taken at the exact same time everyday.
SweetErika
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ethicalslut said:
Ethicalslut, Planned Parenthood has free (ask for the Take Charge program if you don't have insurance and fit the income guidelines) or low cost pills. Same goes for most sexual health clinics and clinics that offer a sliding scale fee schedule. There are also generics that cost a nominal amount ($5-15). Most doctors also have samples that they'll give you if you don't have insurance.
I was quoting the instructions from the Ortho Tri Cyclen insert, by the way, but you all are right in not relying on those alone. We use condoms 99% of the time eventhough I'm on the pill and we're married, especially during the first week after my period (when I would be ovulating).
