How long before I'm covered?

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2003
How long before I'm covered?
2
Wed, 03-10-2004 - 9:23pm
I know, I should have asked my doctor. But, I just started back on the pill (Ortho Tri-cyclen) after being off for about a year. How long before I can stop using a back-up method? I know when I first went on the pill 14 years ago, they said wait the whole month and then when you're in the second cycle, you're covered. But I was thinking I'd read that now they say you're covered after a week.

Thanks!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Wed, 03-10-2004 - 9:44pm
Hi Sandy, welcome!

If you were a first day start you were protected immediately. If you were a Sunday start you will be protected after 7 days of correctly taking your pills. Some Docs. and this board recommend that you use back-up for the entire first cycle as you are learning to take your pills correctly and to prevent pg panic if AF shows up on a different schedule and is lighter or heavier than when you were cycling naturally. The info about starting your pills and what to do if you miss any is in the patient info leaflet that comes with your pills. It’s a good idea to keep that handy in case you have need to refer to it.

Good luck

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2003
Thu, 03-11-2004 - 2:03pm
Okay, I started on a Sunday, so one week then. Thanks for the info! I wondered why the rules suddenly changed! Makes sense.