[Hopeless Dork]

Its been about 36 hours since I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend. We use condoms for birth control consistantly - I am not yet on birth control (still deciding what to take). Anways we had sex without a condom, he pulled out of me before orgasm. I know this reduces the risk of pregnancy , I also know theirs trace sperm that is released sometimes before ejaculation, so I realize of course there is a small risk.

I was planning on picking up a morning after pill the following day, and before heading to a pharmacy - I started my period. Does this mean I am in the clear and don't need to pick up the pills?

I only have a day and a half left to pick them up and take them. I would rather not do it if its not necessary. At the same time I don't want to be worried. And I do plan on getting on a form of birth control asap as I dont want to have these kind of worries in the future !

[Little]

If your period has started, you probably don't need the Plan B pill. However, there is of course still a TINY chance you're pregnant. It's up to you, it's your "nerves."
You should also educate yourself on the ovarian cycle vs the uterine cycle. It's good to know when YOU ovulate. Not every woman does it at the same time in her cycle. It can save you a lot of worrying.

[Smiles302]

I've never really understood the whole how you get pregnant with reguard to the ovarian cycle or what is the uterine cycle? How do you know when you ovualate?

[Hopeless Dork]

Thank you little. I will try to learn more about ovulation to give myself some peace of mind. Me and my boyfriend are both very responsible as we are not looking to reproduce, but of course human and subject to lapses in judgment. It was a really special night and think we just got lost in the moment. We've been together several months and I know that I should be on a back up form of birth control, I am 32 and have never taken any birth control so I am trying to learn what would be the best option for me. He had concerns about side effects, as am I. I also smoke cigarettes occasionally so trying to find the safest method for me.

[Little]

You can buy and ovulation "kit" at the drugstore/chemist/WalMart, just about anywhere. They're with the pregnancy tests.
The ovarian cycle is the cycle of hormones that cause you to ovulate, whereas the uterine cycle is the cycle of hormones that cause your endometrium to build up, maintain itself, and slough off.
HD, no judgment here. Things happen when they happen, and every woman gets anxious about possible unwanted pregnancies. Just look at this board and the pregnancy board! Talk to your doctor, only s/he can really help you.

[vintage_butterfly]

Even though you have gotten your period it would still be a wise idea to pick up the morning after pill. It's always better to be safe than sorry and if you're really concerned you can always call your doctor. You should be seeing a gyn and they can tell you the best method of birth control for you with the fact you're over 30 and occasionally smoking. Best of luck to you.