Still safe after month off? Only 7 day

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-19-2004
Still safe after month off? Only 7 day
1
Mon, 04-19-2004 - 1:10pm
Hello ladies.

I was wondering if you can help. I've gotten different answers on this. I didn't receive my mail order BCP in time to start a new pack. I'll be off the pill this month. If I start my new pack after my next period, do I only need to use back up for the first 7 days? I'm on a combo pill, Ortho-Cept. I've been told different things.

I will be going on my honeymoon, and want to avoid any little miracles for a while. My future hubby would like to stop using condoms, and I'm concerned about the efficacy of the pill after having been off it for a month.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 04-19-2004 - 2:18pm
Hi fndluv, welcome!

Congratulations on you upcoming marriage! Beginning oral contraceptives after a month off them is like starting all over. If you begin on the first day of your period (a first day start) you are protected immediately. If you begin on the first Sunday after your period starts you are protected after 7 days of taking your pill correctly. This board recommends using back-up for the entire first cycle so if you are late or miss a pill while getting back into the habit you won’t get to the placebos and have a freakout if AF is late.

Good luck to you.

      Jill