How long until effective?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
How long until effective?
1
Thu, 03-16-2006 - 10:54am

I had a baby a little over 6 weeks ago and will be starting BCP as soon as AF shows.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 03-16-2006 - 11:43am

Hi Tracey, welcome!

Congratulations on the new addition to your family!

If you begin hormonal contraceptives on the first day AF arrives then the manufactures and FDA say you are protected immediately. If you start on any other day than the first day of your period you should use back-up for at least the first 7 days. This board recommends that back-up be used for the entire first cycle while you are learning to use the pill, patch or ring correctly. That way, if you are late or forget to take a pill or slip up some other way you know you were protected and not have to worry about an unintended pregnancy. If you are new to hormonal contraceptives you might want to look at the posts in our FAQs about common pill side effects, irregular bleeding and taking your pills correctly.

Thanks for stopping by. If you have more questions, please ask. Keep in touch and let us know which pill you are on and how you are doing ok?

Good luck,

      Jill