Period and BCP Question

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2004
Period and BCP Question
1
Tue, 10-12-2004 - 7:34pm
Hi there, I'm new here!

I have a dr.'s appt. on Friday to get bc. I'm not on it right now, nor have I ever been. It's a first for me! I have two reasons to get it, one being the obvious, and the other, my dr. actually suggested going on them to clear up pesky acne. Well, the acne is back, and is ticking me off seriously.

Anyways, I talked to a few people, and I've got different responses. Some say you can start the pill right away, some say the first day of your period, some say seven days before your next period.

My problem is this - I've never really counted the days of my period. I'm about 21 days in between, with 5-6 days on my period.

I'm just worried that if I can't pinpoint down to a tee exactly how many days of actual period and days in between, the pill will be ineffective for me.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

Hugs, Vicky

 

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Tue, 10-12-2004 - 9:11pm
Hi snowy_nites, welcome!

When starting hormonal contraceptives it's usually recommended that you begin on day one of your period or the first Sunday after your period begins. Those times are recommended for two reasons: when your period begins you know you aren't pregnant and the first few days of your period your natural hormones are at their lowest levels of your cycle so you won't be putting the hormones from your pills on top of your natural ones. And, Sunday was thought to be an easy day to remember as it’s the start of the week. Once you start your cycle will be under control of the hormones in your pills, usually 21 active pills and 7 hormone free placebos for your pill-period. After the 7th placebo you begin the active pills in a new pack so there is really nothing to worry about except taking your pills on time. In order to get the most from your pills read 'Taking your pills correctly' in the FAQs.

Since you are new to BCPs it would be a good idea to read the posts in the FAQs, especially: 'How the pill works', 'Taking your pills correctly', 'Common pill side effects' and 'Irregular bleeding anyone?' Thanks for posting. Let us know what pill your doctor puts you on, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill