[onerose]

Hi there. I started a birth control pill (Microgestin) almost three weeks ago. First time I’ve used pills as a contraceptive method. I wanted to opinions on whether my body has built up enough hormonal protection to support complete sex without any other form of BC on the inactive pill week. We’ve been using other forms of protection in addition to the pill for the most part since I started it.

I’ve taken the pills at the same time each day pretty much religiously, with one exception. Almost two weeks ago, I took a pill ~7 hours late. Also took Plan B (morning after pill) because of that instance being late, as additional protection. I had some loose stools for 3 days after taking Plan B. No serious diarrhea, though, and nothing directly after taking my pill. It has been a week since the loose stools ended. A couple more days, and I’ll be on my inactive pill week.

Thoughts, anyone? Am I protected if I were to have sex (ejaculating inside) on my inactive pill week, even with those issues in the first pack of BC?

[ItsASecret]

After the first month you are technically well equipped pill wise for protection. You can still use a condom though for these inactive pills just to be sure. As a side note, do not take plan B unless you have to. Taking a pill 7 hours late while not recommended (actually needs to be within a 3 hour window of your regular time) it does not mean you need to be taking a plan B every single time you miss a pill by a few hours. Plan B contains about 3 times the dose of one of the chemicals in regular birth control, this sudden rush is obviously helpful in emergency contraceptive methods but it also messes up your regular pill concentrations. So again, it is fine if you are having unprotected sex but do not hop right towards Plan B every time you have a scare or are a couple hours late. Also just try your best to take the pill within the regular time, within 3 hours is fine because not everyone is perfect at remembering so there is that bit of leeway.

[onerose]

Thanks for the reply!

Yeah, I'm young and healthy, but Plan B was rough on my system. Nausea, loose bowels, tiredness; that all went away, thankfully, but I've been spotting for the last few days. I'm was just concerned about pregnancy because the pill was late so early in my first pack, and we had sex a couple times that day. I won't be taking it ever again unless I feel I absolutely have to.

I realize that we can wear condoms during the inactive week, but I'm wondering if we *should.* Technically, because I started my pills within 24 hours of my period beginning, I should have been protected by the next day. But I've been cautious. Now I'm a curious if one late pill and minor diarrhea would reduce the pill's effectiveness. Mind, it's been a week+ since those problems.

[ItsASecret]

Now I'm a curious if one late pill and minor diarrhea would reduce the pill's effectiveness. Mind, it's been a week+ since those problems.

Plan B is already long gone from your system. That diarrhea, nausea, sometimes dizziness all are side effects of it making it less than appealing to take unless you absolutely must. When you were having diarrhea it does lower the effectiveness of the pill itself because of all the fluids being lost however it is not an alarming decrease in effectiveness. All it means is wear a condom if the pill's effectiveness has been compromised. That time has passed the pill is working as it should right now.

I realize that we can wear condoms during the inactive week, but I'm wondering if we *should.*

If you do not want to then it is up to you, there is no right or wrong only personal preference. If you want you can use a condom for just that one week of inactive pills to put your mind at ease then forgo them when you start your active pills up again. It does not matter if you are on the pill, use a condom, and even do a pull out method just cause...nothing is going to be 100% effective in preventing pregnancy except for complete celibacy. However the pill is marked at a very very high effective range-talking 98-99.xx% effective if taken EXACTLY as directed. That alone is enough to take away the worry.

[jenn89]

Hi,

Assuming you begin new packs on schedule, you have the same level of protection during your inactive pill week as you do during the rest of the pack, so there's no need for condoms or anything else during that week. My fiance and I often make love during my inactive pill week, and he usually ejaculates inside me all cycle long, and I've never had a pregnancy scare.

I would second the advice about plan B. The insert that comes with your pills will tell you how late you can be and still be safe--as long as it isn't by more than a few hours, I'd stay away from Plan B not just because it's hard on your system but because it can mess up your cycles.