Perpetual Fear of PG- please help! :(

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-19-2006
Perpetual Fear of PG- please help! :(
2
Mon, 06-19-2006 - 3:46pm
Hi there- Sorry for seeming quite paranoid, but I have been plagued by worry ever since I have been on Yasmin. I started Yasmin 3 months ago (I'm finishing up my third month now) and I would be greatly appreciative if someone could answer this question... Exactly HOW long are the hormones active in the body after taking each pill?! As it is impossible for me to take the pill at EXACTLY the same time each day, I ALWAYS take the pill between the hours of 5 and 7 every night (never earlier, never later). Is this a fail-safe way to be protected? I have honestly been worried sick about this! Does this still make the pill 99% effective for me? I'd appreciate some honest answers(preferably from a doctor's mouth!). Should I be using a backup method also even though I am very responsible about taking BC? Thank you for your time (especially considering the length of this posting)!
:) Erin
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-19-2005
Mon, 06-19-2006 - 5:02pm

First and foremost, I really do have to say that although I think we do have some members of the board with medical training, if you feel you need the advice of a doctor, you should consult your physician or at least talk to your pharmacist. This board shouldn't be a substitute for the advice of a professional who knows all the facts of your situation.

Generally, the safe window for a combination pill is +/- 2 hours of your normal time, so your total 2 hour window *should* be ok. But, if another time would work better and you could take it within a smaller time window, you'd be even better off. Check out the "how to take your pills correctly" thread in the FAQ section.

If you follow the directions in your pill inserts, and any additional directions given by your doctor or pharmacist, the pill will have the advertised effectiveness rate. Some of the members of the board use an additional method, but many do not. If using a backup, like spermicides or condoms, makes you more comfortable, there is really no reason not to. However, no form of birth control, outside abstinance, is 100% effective. That risk, even if it is very tiny, is just a fact of life for people who decide to be sexually active.

Check out the FAQ's, ask any additional questions you have, and remember that a pharmacist is just a phone call away. I've never met one who didn't want to help, even if it wasn't the pharmacy that filled my script.

Good luck, and check back with us, ok?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 06-19-2006 - 7:59pm

Hi erinemerson, welcome!


      Jill