So, on the pill (in my case, Levlen), they tell you to take the pill at the same time every day. But, how specifically do you have to take it at the same time every day? I'm not sure whether I can depend on the pill for, say, the next week as my main contraception, because I've only taken my pill within 3 hours of the same time every day, and I don't know if it needs to be closer to the same time than that in order to work.
2006-11-23 17:53:19 · 6 answers · asked by Natalia 3 in Health ➔ Women's Health
They say that just to be safe. Kind of like how they tell you to take it everyday, but if you miss a pill you can just double up the next day. So what's wrong w/just taking it within 3 hours?
You should always use a back-up contraceptive though. Try Depo-Provera. There are a few common side effects, but I like it.
2006-11-23 17:55:29 · answer #1 · answered by PlasticTrees 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On the combined Pill: You have 12 hours to take the forgotten Pill before losing contraceptive cover. If it's been longer than 12 hours, discard the Pill and use extra protection for the next seven days.
On the mini Pill: You only have three hours to remember to take your Pill before losing cover. If it's been longer than three hours, discard the Pill and use extra protection for the next two days.
Finally, if you miss a pill in the last week of active (or hormone) pills, skip the sugar pills and start a new pack. Be sure to also use condoms for the next seven days. This will delay most women's next period until the end of the new pack.
2006-11-24 01:58:51 · answer #2 · answered by krayzie_boo11 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The main reason they tell you to take it at the same time is to get you into a routine. This makes it less likely that you forget to take it at all.
Also, just don't take it in the morning on one day, then late at night the next day, because that's just about equal to skipping a day.
2006-11-24 01:58:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to get as close to the same time of day as possible. Your goal is to keep a continuous level of the synthetic hormone in your system.
2006-11-24 01:57:01 · answer #4 · answered by Johnny Z 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It should be at the exact same time every day if you're using the pill for birth control.
If you take it at, say, 8am, then take it at 8am every morning.
2006-11-24 03:32:04 · answer #5 · answered by Nancy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
supposedly if you take it at the same time everyday it is supposed to be more effective. in my personal experience, however, taking it a few hours before/after my normal time hasnt made a difference.
2006-11-24 02:11:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋