confusing info on bcp

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-08-2004
confusing info on bcp
4
Mon, 11-08-2004 - 2:12pm
Hi all. I have a question regarding my first pack of pills. My doctor did not say anything to me about using backup protection during the first month of use, however I have heard others say that I should have. I started my first pack of Lo/Ovral 28 on my last day of bleeding (cycle day 6). We did not use backup protection on cycle day 10. I used to ovulate around cycle day 15 or 16. Should I be worried? I started seeing my normal fertile type discarge (sorry) and would not let my poor hubby near me after that. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 11-08-2004 - 3:36pm
Hi mykids2002, welcome!

If you start oral contraceptives on any other day than the first day of your period you should use back-up for at least the first 7 days. Some doctors and this board recommend using back-up for the entire first cycle as you learn to take your pills correctly. That way, if you miss a pill or Aunt Flo is on a different schedule or of a different consistency or duration you won't have an 'Am I pg?' freak-out. The manufacturer's recommended minimum time for using back-up under various circumstances is in the patient information that comes with your pills. You might also want to read the post 'Taking your pills correctly', in the FAQs which covers some tips about what to do and what not to do to get the most from your pills.

You might be at risk depending on how long before you became fertile you had IC. If IC was less than 72 hours ago Emergency Contraception is still an option. EC is of decreasing effectiveness the longer you wait so if I were you I would call my doctor right away and see what s/he advises. Let us know how you're doing, ok?

Good luck and hugs,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-08-2004
Mon, 11-08-2004 - 5:10pm
Thanks so much Jill for the reply and the welcome! I am now on cycle day 20, so way too late for EC. I am just amazed that my doc did not tell me this. Maybe she thought I knew, but I haven't been on BCPs since before the birth of my first son, 7 years ago. I think we are going to be O.K., but you never know. I have read that the little swimmers can last up to 5 to 7 days, but that's under the best of conditions - right??? The only thing I am still concerned about is the fertle type discharge that I am still having on and off. Does that mean that I ovulated as usual? Or is that normal for being on the pill? Thanks again.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 11-08-2004 - 5:54pm
Sperm can live only a few hours without fertile conditions. If they can get to fertile cervical fluid they can live 4-5 days. If your ovulation process was too far along to be suppressed by the hormones in your pills then you will have your period about 2 weeks after ov, regardless of where you are in your pack. BCPs do increase discharge for some women so that's what might be going on. The only way to tell for sure when you ovulate, is to chart your fertile signs; basal body temperature, cervical position, and cervical fluid. A very good book on charting is Toni Weschler's 'Taking Charge of Your Fertility'. You can check it out from your local library or get a copy at most bookstores. Keep in touch, ok?

Hugs,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-08-2004
Mon, 11-08-2004 - 9:30pm
Thank you again, Jill. I will definitely stay in touch. It's so great to have a place to ask all the questions that pop up!