Efectiveness of contraceptive pill?!
Question: Efectiveness of contraceptive pill?
Hi,
I was put on the pill 13 days ago. It's the first time I've been put on the pill and my doctor recommended I take the first pill on the first day of my period. However, I had finished my last period 5 days earlier and my period usually comes up to 3 or 4 weeks late (which is one of the reasons I began taking the pill), and I wanted to start taking the pill as soon as possible.
I completely forgot to discuss this with my doctor so I decided to ask a pharmacist about it. I explained the situation and she recommended I start taking the pill that same day rather than waiting what could possibly be two or three months.
I've read that if you take your first pill on the first day of your period the efectivness is immediate. However, if you don't take it on the first day of your period I've read it's recommended you use other forms of contraception for at least the first month.
I'm going for a weekend away on Friday with my boyfriend and he has erection problems when using a condom (so much so we've stopped having sex all together for the time being). My question is, after 18 days on the pill, should I be worried about the effectivness of the pill as I didn't take the first one on the first day of my period? Will I be safe? Or am I better to be safe than sorry and abstain from sex during my weekend away, haha?
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to help!
I was put on the pill 13 days ago. It's the first time I've been put on the pill and my doctor recommended I take the first pill on the first day of my period. However, I had finished my last period 5 days earlier and my period usually comes up to 3 or 4 weeks late (which is one of the reasons I began taking the pill), and I wanted to start taking the pill as soon as possible.
I completely forgot to discuss this with my doctor so I decided to ask a pharmacist about it. I explained the situation and she recommended I start taking the pill that same day rather than waiting what could possibly be two or three months.
I've read that if you take your first pill on the first day of your period the efectivness is immediate. However, if you don't take it on the first day of your period I've read it's recommended you use other forms of contraception for at least the first month.
I'm going for a weekend away on Friday with my boyfriend and he has erection problems when using a condom (so much so we've stopped having sex all together for the time being). My question is, after 18 days on the pill, should I be worried about the effectivness of the pill as I didn't take the first one on the first day of my period? Will I be safe? Or am I better to be safe than sorry and abstain from sex during my weekend away, haha?
Thanks in advance to anyone willing to help!
Answers:
Best Answer - Chosen by Voters
As the packet insert explains if you start the pill later in your cycle you are covered with 99.8% contraceptive efficacy, after 7 days on the pill.
GP for more years than I care to remember
it depends on the pill, but most become effective within 7 days, they should come with instructions/information, so read that, it should say. you could always try spermicide or a female condom if you're worried about or need backup contraception