Virgin/birth control question

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-25-2004
Virgin/birth control question
3
Wed, 02-25-2004 - 4:49pm
I just recently lost my virginity and have never been on birth control. I have not been able to go on birth control, as of yet, because I have not gotten my period. I did get a prescription for the Nuvaring, and am planning on using it. My first question is, should I put it in on day 1 when I begin to start bleeding? My period usually lasts about 5 to 7 days, so if I were to put it in on day one ... it should be a week by the time I am finished with my period. Would it be safe to have sex without a condom when my period is finished and the ring has been in for a week? Or would you recommend waiting a longer period of time before having sex without a condom. I am not sure what the precautions are, considering I have never been in birth control before.
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2003
Wed, 02-25-2004 - 5:32pm
Your doctor should have addressed these concerns!

When starting hormonal birth control (pill, patch or ring) you can choose - 1st day start or Sunday start. That is either the day you start bleeding, or the first Sunday after you start bleeding (really, within the first seven days of the start of your period). I've never seen a point of being a Sunday start, but some people find it more convenient.

Theoretically, if you start your new birth control on the first day of your period, you are protected from pregnancy immediately. If you do the Sunday start, you are protected after 7 days of using it. This board recommends the use of back-up (such as a condom) for the whole forst month. I agree that this is a good idea, because then if (when) your first period while on birth control is different, you won't be freaking out about having gotten pregnant, you'll know you were doubly protected.

So, it is up to you which day to start the Ring. It is also up to you how long to use backup - I suggest the whole first month!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 02-25-2004 - 5:50pm
Hi Jupiterdrops,

I totally agree with happyjusttwo and I want to add that I hope you used condoms for your first, and you should use condoms for all sexual intercourse, for STI protection, until you and your partner are both tested and found to be free of disease.

Good luck

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Thu, 02-26-2004 - 8:18am

One more thing to keep in mind when you're starting, it is more difficult to use tampons with the Nuvaring.

Judie Cl for Birth Control