First Time Using Ortho Tricyclen Lo
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First Time Using Ortho Tricyclen Lo
| Wed, 09-01-2004 - 11:08pm |
This is my first time using birth control and I was wondering when does the pill become effective? I will most likely start on the one day start so does that mean that it will become effective as soon as I start taking the pill? Or should I use back up methods til my first cycle is over?

Being a new oral contraceptives user one of the first things you should do is read and understand the patient information that comes with your pills and then put that leaflet where you can get to it to if you miss a pill or have an accident. It would be a good idea to read the FAQs at the top of the board. They will tell you how the pill works, how to take your pills correctly, what some of the common side effects of hormonal contraceptives are and discuss irregular bleeding issues.
If you begin your pills on the first day of your period you are protected immediately. However, some doctors and this board recommend that you use back-up the entire first cycle while you are learning to take your pills correctly. That way, if you forget a pill, or AF is late, or of a different consistency or duration you know you were using back-up and were protected so you won't have an ‘am-I-pg?’ freak-out. Let us know how you like OTC-Lo, ok?
Good luck,
Jill