Starting a new pack of birth control question...?

Question

I wanted to know if you can start birth control at any time, not just the first day of or using Sunday start? I know you're SUPPOSED to do it either of those 2 ways, but if I start using Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo now, how will it probably effect me? Please read on and see why I'm asking before you answer..... I am asking because I had very irregular (2 weeks apart) periods for 8 months and ovulate very irregularly, if at all, so had a laparoscopy and D&C performed on April 18th. I bled for a day then spotted brown for a month, but haven't had a "period" since March. There's no chance of pregnancy, but want to start taking my pills to prevent it in the near future. I used birth control for 3 years before this, but never had this exact situation so I am not sure what I should do. (Second method of protection will be used, just want to know about the pills...)

My FSH and LH levels were tested on numerous occasions and they indicated very irregular ovulation. I had a D&C done to clean everything out so I could "start from scratch". I used a few different types, 90% of the time were pills. I started on the Patch, immediately went to pills, used the Ring for a few months, then went back to pills this past October.

Answer 1

The reason it's usually recommended to start as a Sunday starter or the first day after your last period is because starting it at any other time could mess up your cycle further. I would also recommend checking with your pharmacist to see what they think.

Answer 2

yes, you can start at any time, though you may cause your body to feel extra "disrupted" if you're already partially through your cycle when you begin. this may present itself as a skipped period during your "off" week of pills, or it may present itself as spotting mid-cycle, as an extended period, as other side effects, etc. i'm curious... how do you know you're not ovulating at times? did you have a test done, and/or do you chart your basal body temperature and your cervical mucus? also, why did you have a D&C? from what i'm reading, you weren't getting an abortion because it sounds like you've not been pregnant recently. what form of BC were you using in the past for those 3 years?

irregular periods can be caused by many different things, including hormonal imbalances, stress and low body weight. my best suggestion would be to start your birth control now if you plan on being sexually active in the near future.

i included some resources below to help you understand your body and your cycle a bit better.