How long for pill to become effective?

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-08-2004
How long for pill to become effective?
2
Thu, 07-15-2004 - 8:38am
Hi, I am going back on the pill .. this time tri-cyclen .. I was just wondering how long it takes for your body to become effective and working? My bf and I still plan to use condoms while I'm on the pill, but I was just curious. Someone told me BC is effective after a week, and I heard from another it takes an entire month until it starts working?

One other quick question .. my period can be anywhere from 29-34 days .. this month it was late and was about 45 days .. but I was just wondering because I am starting the pill the first day (today) of my period and not the Sunday start, will I be getting my period 21 days from now? (when I start taking the sugar pills?) That seems like it will be coming much sooner than normal? Does the pill make it come then? Sorry for all the questions!

Thanks,

Lynne

LOL .. I feel like I have a lot of questions these days!

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2003
Thu, 07-15-2004 - 9:41am
Theoretically, if you start your pills the first day of your period, you're protected immediately. If you start within the first seven days ("Sunday Start"), you're protected after 7 days of pill use. Many doctors & this board recommend that you use backup for the whole first pack, so that you can get accustomed to taking your pills, and so that if (when!) your first pill-period is different from your previous periods, you know not to freak out & think you somehow got pregnant your first month on the pill.

The timing of your periods when you were cycling naturally should have no bearing on when you get your periods on the pill. Your period should appear sometime during the placebo ("sugar pills") week. I think normal is considered after 2 - 5 placebo pills, but that can vary - I was NEVER perfectly regular, even on the pill, some women (I've learned from this board!) can almost set a clock by when they get their pill-period. Also, during the first three months or so, it could certainly change from month to month while your body is getting used to the artificial hormones.

Good Luck! I hope your body is happy with these pills.


Edited 7/15/2004 9:43 am ET ET by happyjusttwo

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-08-2004
Thu, 07-15-2004 - 1:05pm
Thanks so much for your help!

Lynne