first time on birth control

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-29-2004
first time on birth control
3
Sun, 08-29-2004 - 4:47pm
This is my first time on birth control pills, and i was wondering how long it'll take for them to work. Should we be using condoms, or does it work relatively fast?? thanks for any information!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 08-29-2004 - 6:01pm
Hi alxx5, welcome!

The information that comes with your pills will tell you what the manufacturer recommends. If you began on the first day of your period you should be protected immediately. If you began any later you need to use back-up for at least 7 days. This board recommends using back-up for the entire first cycle while you are learning to take your pills correctly. That way, if you miss a pill you won't be concerned if Aunt Flo is on a different schedule and is different when she shows up. Since you're new to BCPs you should read 'Taking your pills correctly', in the FAQs at the top of the board. Thanks for posting. Let us know how you're doing, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Mon, 08-30-2004 - 8:43am
You should ask your dr or pharmacist....Or if you can understand it read the info pack that came with your pills....Some are effective from "day one" and then others require a full month of continuiuosly taking the pills before you're protected.It depends on which pill you're taking....But if you're worried you could always double up (use a condom too)...GOOD LUCK!
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-11-2004
Mon, 08-30-2004 - 1:36pm
You should be on the pill for at least one full cycle before you start to have sex with out any other form of protection. Some pills claim 14 days...but I wouldn't risk it! If you think you might have one of those pills you can read the info packet that came with your pills and it will answer all of your questions