I am restarting my birth control pills after being off them for several years. According to the instructions, you are supposed to take the first pill within 24 hours of starting your period. I didnt read the instructions till this morning and it was about 30 hours into my period. So I took the first pill anyways. Since I took the pill a little late, should I wait longer before assuming that they are effective? My Dr. said to wait two weeks, I wonder if I should wait three to be safe. Any suggestions?
2006-08-09 16:36:41 · 7 answers · asked by ms mystery 3 in Health ➔ Women's Health
Actually, to be 100% safe, a month is the required time. Especially if you think you started 'off cycle'. Now that you are back on birth control, don't forget that antibiotics weaken BCP and a back up protection is needed while you are taking the antibiotics and for 2 weeks after.
2006-08-09 16:42:48 · answer #1 · answered by wldntulike_2know 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
firstly, always use a backup method during your first full cycle of going back on BC..your body needs that time to become regulated and it is possible to ovulate during the first pack or two until your body has done so.
Secondly...in the future, being 5 or 6 hours late on taking your pill is probably not going to screw up the effectiveness..just be sure you continue to take it around the same time every day after that (or within a couple of hours). Using a backup method is never a bad idea.
thirdly...have you considered the sunday-start method? This is when you start taking your pill the first sunday after the start of your period. That way you have a few more days to plan and there's not a rush to get that dose within 24 hours of your period starting. This method of dosing is just as effective and can also lessen the possibility of breakthrough bleeding mid-cycle.
2006-08-09 23:43:16 · answer #2 · answered by kansas8099 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've always been told to go through a whole cycle before assuming they are working effectively. You really should be fine....when I restarted my birth control (depo provera), my doc said to come in anytime and get the injection..I told her my period wasnt for another 4 days and she said it didnt matter when I got it...when you think about it though, it's not like your birth control wouldnt work just because you didnt start it at "the right time." I would wait until your done with the first pack, thats what i've always heard the pharmacists tell patients at work and also what my doctor has said to me.
2006-08-09 23:46:34 · answer #3 · answered by hotmama 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I tell my patients once they start to go one full cycle before initiating sex with a partner without a secondary back up plan.
You started the pills just fine. I would just go that one full cycle until you have your next period on the pills and restart the pack before assuming effectiveness.
2006-08-09 23:40:38 · answer #4 · answered by PreviouslyChap 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would go a whole round of pills prior to going without a second form of protection. i dont know enough about the pill and 6 hours shouldnt make that much difference but better safe than pregnant
2006-08-09 23:41:53 · answer #5 · answered by Justme 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If I were you, I would wait three weeks, just to make sure they are working properly.
2006-08-09 23:42:38 · answer #6 · answered by faerycatcher 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
two weeks is fine. you were just starting birth control.
2006-08-09 23:58:57 · answer #7 · answered by lilgracie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋