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[jude.livejournal.com]

a somewhat odd question...
how necessary is it to start the pill after you get your period? i can understand that getting your period assures you that you haven't gotten pregnant in the last month, but i haven't had sex since my last period (nor have i been on the pill, because i forgot to order a new pack *sigh*) however, my boyfriend's coming to visit, and i'd like to have been on the pill for a week by the time he comes (since you have to use backup until you've been on it a week), but i'm not expecting my period until the week he shows up. does it not work if you start it mid-month, or what?
i'm going for a pap smear tomorrow so i'll ask the doctor then as well, but i thought you ladies might have some insights.

Comments

[inanna.livejournal.com]

Well, i am a bit confused by some of the questions you are asking... so i'll post what i know about BCP's and you can go from there, ok? :)

First, you need to use additional protection measures for the first full cycle you are on the Pill. That means, if you start your pills for the first time on Sept 15th (for example)you need to use condoms or something else until about October 15th (when you start your next pack of pills). Once you have one full cycle of taking your BCP at the same time every day (crucial for true protection) then you should be covered and won't need condoms (other than for STD protection) as long as you take your pills every month.

If you skip a month or more of pills, you need to use another form of protection for the first month you are back on the pill. One week is NOT a time period associated with the Pill.... since (on average, which most of us aren't... but still...) the average ovulation time is 14 days after the beginning of your menstrual cycle, if you wait one week after the end of your period, you are just about at your fertile time... not a good time to play without protection!

It looks like you'll be needing another form of protection this month - to be safe. OTOH, you can wing it and hope you don't catch... but i wouldn't suggest it... i know too many women who took a new title after hoping that they didn't need to use a condom... the title "Mom" that is.

Good luck!

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[jude.livejournal.com]

that's really weird, 'cause when i read the information in the pill pack, it very specifically said use alternate protection FOR THE FIRST WEEK you're on the pill. i don' get it. guess i'll ask my doctor and see what she says.

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[inanna.livejournal.com]

Hmm.... perhaps it is a different (newer) type of pill than the ones i used. Definitely check with your doctor and/or pharmacist. i tend to trust the pharmacist over the doctor in most cases, as they are the ones who deal with the meds daily and have specific training on interactions and such.

No matter what, hope you have fun (very evil grin)!

[crayolaab.livejournal.com]

Heres what I have to say about what you've asked :o)
My type of pill (orthocyclen) requires a full cycle before its effective as birthcontrol. Since i dont use it for bc i really can't say anything else about that! :o)

I can speak to the reasoning behind starting just after your period starts. The pill mimics your body's natural cycle. that is, it is a four week (month long) cycle. If you were to start the pill halfway between periods, your body would get really confused - because in 2 weeks the natural hormones in your body would want to have a period but the hormones from the pill would be telling it "no its not time yet!"

By starting taking the month-long cycle of pills at the start of your natural month-long cycle, you avoid most of that confusion.

However, you probably *could* start the pill mid-cycle you would just have one confused body for awhile. Personally, I can't even skip the placebos to skip my period because I am so regular that i just go ahead and bleed anyway, even with the pill. Other people *can* skip placebos and move their period around more easily, I just am not that lucky:o)

Good luck whatever you decide but i honestly would not rely on the pill as BC if youve only been on it a week.

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[jude.livejournal.com]

ahhhh now i understand. i don't use that type of pill. i generally use alesse, which i understand has a different combination of hormones or something than orthocyclen. thanks tho :)