how long til effective?

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-15-2002
how long til effective?
1
Fri, 03-17-2006 - 9:34am
Hi, I have a quick question. I just started back on bcp's this month. I started taking them the Sunday after I started my period, which ended up being 7 days after since I started on a Sunday. I was always under the assumption that the pills were not effective for the first couple of cycles, but after doing some reading I am seeing different info. Are my bcp's already effective as birth control this month or should I wait to rely on them until next month or halfway through this month.

Miriam, mom to Elise (9), Will (5), Seth (3), Emma (in heaven), and little one due 06/17/13

Family Photo

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Fri, 03-17-2006 - 10:41am

Hi mimimommy2005, welcome!

When you begin hormonal contraceptives at any time other than the first day of your period they are effective after a minimum of 7 days of continuous use. However, this board recommends using back-up for the entire first cycle while you are learning to take your pills correctly. That way, if you are late or miss a pill you know you were protected and the oops is no big thing.

Since you have been off BCPs for a while you may have side effects for the first several cycles while your body adjusts to the hormones from your pills. If you are interested we have posts in our FAQs about common pill side effects, irregular bleeding and taking your pills correctly.

Thanks for posting. If you have more questions, please ask. Let us know how you're doing, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill