starting birth control.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2004
starting birth control.
4
Sun, 06-13-2004 - 2:27pm
Hey im new to the boards. I just wanted to know when would be the best time to start taking birth control? before your period? or after?
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-05-2004
Sun, 06-13-2004 - 4:45pm
Hi,

Your doctor should tell you but the norm is the first Sunday after you start your period, even if you are still on your period. Example, if you start your period on Tuesday June 8 then start it on Sunday June 13.... if you start it on Saturday, June 12... start it on Sunday June 13. Also, remember to use other birth control methods until you have been on the pill for at least 7 days. Hope this helps some.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 06-13-2004 - 5:15pm
Hi jenniebear023, welcome!

If you start on the first day of your period, you are protected immediately. If you start the first Sunday after your period begins then you should use back-up protection for a minimum of 7 days of correct pill usage. You can begin on any day of the week you want. Sunday was chosen as being easy to remember. This board recommends using back-up for the entire first pill cycle. That way if you are late or forget a pill you will know you are still protected while you are learning to take your pills correctly. Since you are new to Oral contraceptives let me mention some things that will help you get maximum effectiveness from your pills

This board considers taking combined oral contraceptives correctly to mean taking them on time (within +/-2 hrs. of your normal pill-time) and using back-up if you forget a pill or are sick and vomit or have diarrhea within 2 hours after taking your pill (considered a missed pill) and if you are taking medicines or supplements that could reduce the effectiveness of your pills. If you forget a pill or have been sick you should use back-up for at least 7 days afterward. If you are taking medicines or supplements then you should use back-up while taking them and for at least 7 days after taking the last dose. And, if you think you might have trouble remembering your pill-time you can set the alarm on a clock or watch or set a reminder message on your cell phone or computer to help remind you. Some things to remember when taking oral contraceptives:

• Combined oral contraceptives have a 4 hour window, progestin-only pills have a 1/2-1 hour window for on-time

• Medicines are typically antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants and some other prescription drugs, if in doubt, check with the pharmacist. Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers or allergy medications do not change the effectiveness of the pill.

• Supplements may cause changes in the metabolism of the hormones without your knowledge. St. John's Wort has been known to cause pill failure, but because supplements are not regulated by the FDA, there is no systematic testing to determine which will compromise the effectiveness of the pill.

• You can also set your pill time at the same time as another activity that you do every day, whether it's brushing your teeth, watching a particular TV show, having breakfast...

• The patch and the ring have the same requirements as far as use of medications, though timing isn't an issue, nor is diarrhea or vomiting.

The pill, when taken consistently and correctly, is 99% effective. Anything that deviates from perfect use will reduce the effectiveness by an undetermined amount. The most important step you can take to make sure the pill is as effective as it can be is to take it at the same time every day.

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Sun, 06-13-2004 - 8:19pm
Different pills start on different days either a sunday start or first day of your period start.You dr can tell which one's best for you....
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-13-2004
Mon, 06-14-2004 - 1:20am
Thanks soo much!! you've helped a lot. Thats exactly what i needed to know. I just wanted to set an appointment with my gyno and i wanted to know when the best time would be. thnx again!