When to take the pill.
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When to take the pill.
| Fri, 10-27-2006 - 3:24pm |
I just got a prescription for YAZ and I was just wondering which method is best to start taking the pill: Day 1 start or the Sunday Start. I noticed on the Sunday start you still need a back-up form of contraceptive if you have have sex anytime from the SUnday you start your first pack until the next Sunday (7 days). I am completely confused. So if I start on day one of my period, what will happen at the end of the month when I take the placebo pills? Will someone explan to me what to do and how my period will work. Also, what days/weeks should I not have sex while on Yaz. Thank you.
~Clueless

You can start it either time--it will just change the days of the week you have your period. You can actually start B.C. anytime in your cycle, and use backup until you have taken 7 active pills. Some breakthrough bleeding would be more common in that case. It's reccommended to use backup for a full month, regardless of what day you start the pill so you can get used to taking them everyday. Taking them within an hour or two of the time you choose is important.
At the end of the month when you take your placebo pills, a couple days after you start taking them, you will have a withdrawl bleed, which is your "period" while on the pill. It depends person to person when you get your "period" while taking those. For example, I took 3 before I got it. Even if your "period" extends past the days of the placebo pills, it is important to start taking the active pills again when it is that day a week later.
You are protected every day of the month after the YAZ becomes effective (7 days, but better to wait a month). Even during your "period" there is no need for backup. That is, unless you want something more than the 99% effective when taken perfectly. I think that percentage goes down for a "typical" user. Some people like to use backup (condoms) all the time if it is very important to them not to get pregnant or it makes them feel more comfortable. Another time you'd need backup is if you get prescribed a medicine such as antibiotics, certain stronger pain meds, and anti-seizure meds. Anything that interferes with the pill should say so on the pharmacy insert, but ask your doctor/pharmacist if you are unsure. Over the counter stuff is generally OK. Only thing I've heard of is St. Johns Wort being bad to take while on it because of possible decreased protection.
Hope this answers some of your questions!