How long does it take to work

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-04-2004
How long does it take to work
3
Fri, 08-06-2004 - 3:29pm
I started the pill last Sunday. I thought I read that it only took 7 days to start to work. I know we should wear a condom, but they tend to bother me, and my BF hates to wear them. He said he thought it takes 30 days. We had unprotected sex once, and although I don't think I am pregnant, I just want to be sure of how many days it does take. If it takes 30 then we will just need to find other methods until then.
Avatar for lucy4980
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Fri, 08-06-2004 - 3:40pm
The information that came with your pill pack should spell this out - but I am pretty sure when you do a sunday start (the sunday directly following the first day of your period), that you are protected in 7 days. Check the product info to be sure though.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Sat, 08-07-2004 - 9:37am
different pills take different amounts of time to be totally effective.It should tell you in the info packet (or you could check with your dr)...It depends on what "start day" you have....some are effective from day 1 others take a full cycle....If you're not sure which you have,I'd be extra careful.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Mon, 08-09-2004 - 1:55pm
At the most, the pill is effective after you've taken it ON TIME for seven days in a row. If you miss a day, you have to start counting all over again. ;) We normally advise women to use backup for the entire first pack for a couple of reasons:

1) I can't tell you how many nervous nellies we've helped through their first inactive week on the pill! If you aren't sure you've used backup properly or aren't sure the pill works for you, that inactive week can be trying as the days go by and you're still waiting for Aunt Flo to show her ugly face. And when she shows up, you won't know what to expect, whether you're new to the pill or switching to a different one. So if you use reliable backup through the first pack, you don't have all that paranoia that goes with "When will my period show up? Does the pill not work for me? How come my period is so light, am I pregnant?" because you've been careful.

2) This may be even more important than #1--when you're new to the pill, it's VERY easy to forget to take it! And a couple of missed pills (or maybe just one) is all you need to start ovulating again and put yourself at great risk for pregnancy. If you're using backup, there's no penalty for forgetting pills, and you've got a chance to get used to taking them at the same time every day before you really start relying on them.

And I'll save my STD lecture, I'm sure you know, but it never hurts to be reminded. ;) Good luck! I know condoms are less than pleasant, but sometimes they're a fact of life too!

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control