birth control/sex concern

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-17-2003
birth control/sex concern
6
Wed, 06-23-2004 - 6:46pm
my bf and I started being sexually active about 3 1/2 months ago. Our first sexual encounter was unprotected, I took the emergency contraceptive and went on the pill, since then I have taken the pill regularly. However last week *my last week of active pills* I did not take my pill at a regular time, and last night we had sex but without a condom. It is my non active week of pills and during sex I bled like my period but it has not begun, my doctor said that is normal during the inactive week because the sex is prematurely causing break through period bleeding- I am not worried about that as much as I am about going and getting the EC again. I know it was foolish of us to not use a condom but unfortunately the moment was there and clear thinking was not.

Should I get the EC or just rely on the BC I am taking since my period should start either Thursday or Friday.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-14-2004
Thu, 06-24-2004 - 12:28am
Hi Dawn...

So long as you have been taking your pills pretty much at the same time every day for the past 3 1/2 months, excluding this one day, you should be *fine*. Being a few hours late/early or missing it completely and then remembering the next day probably won't effect you. Granted, ANYTHING can happen when you forget one, but if it was me (and I've been there) I really wouldnt worry about it.

Good on 'ya for using condoms along with the pill, by the way. I'm sure that not using one this one time won't effect you though. Since your period is to start on Thursday or Friday, I would just wait it out until then. I'm sure you don't need EC, but if by chance you actually were late, it would still cover your butt 3 days later...

HTH!

~*~ Jenn~*~

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-17-2003
Thu, 06-24-2004 - 2:20pm
I talked to the nurse at my school today, she says not to get the EC but to take a pregnancy test since my period isn't here yet, that makes me feel great /end sarcasam.

I hope it's negative.

but thank you for calming my nerves!

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-21-2004
Thu, 06-24-2004 - 4:21pm
I'm sure you're absolutely fine! it certainly sounds like you're taking your sexual health very seriously which is VERY admirable! I can relate- having had a few 'late arrivals' myself in the past. What may be affecting you is the added stress of worrying about when it will come. Stress can delay the arrival of your period!

I would go with your nurses advice and take a pregnancy test! But again, having been very diligent about it, i'm sure you're ok!

Good luck,

Kati

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-17-2003
Thu, 06-24-2004 - 7:52pm
thank you! I took the home test and it says negative but to be on the safe side I am going to take the EC pill tomorrow as well. It's probably ok but since full ejaculation occured I feel that since my last week of active pills timing was lax on my part between 11-5am I took them I should just use it as a back-up.

thank you all for your support and kind words!

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-03-2003
Thu, 06-24-2004 - 10:53pm
Don't take the EC too often because every time you use it, its effectiveness goes down considerably. After about 2 or 3 times, it's pretty much useless...
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 06-24-2004 - 11:50pm
Hi ihsyaslime,

Actually, EC taken as directed and for the purpose intended WILL NOT loose its effectiveness if used multiple times. However, it does loose effectiveness the longer the time between the IC in question and taking the first dose. It is most effective if taken within the first 72 hours and is somewhat effective up to 5 days after the event. See the Plan B site at http://www.go2planb.com/

Just want to set the record straight.

      Jill