[spurs]

I have been on birth control for about 4 months now. I tend to be a worrier about getting pregnant and so I always take my pills at the same time every night. However I am on a 21 days pack. So I take them for 3 weeks and then stop for a week in which time my period occurs. My question is when do the pills start working again once I start taking them after my week off ? A day or 2 ? or a weekJust hoping that someone could help me out a little bit, I don't have a lot of knowledge about birth control. Thanks !

[BabyGirl]

If you are going to use the Sunday start, you should us a back up birth control method for at least 7 days. If you start your birth control immediately after the doctor prescribes the birth control then you will want to use back up at least until you finish your first pack. If you are prescribed antibiotics for any reason, you will want to ask your doctor if it will affect your birth control because many antibiotics will make your birth control not work. If you miss a pill, ask your doctor what your options are depending on which birth control pill you decide on the course of action may very. I would suggest asking your doctor how long until your particular birth control becomes effective.

Since you have been on BCP for 4 months straight and take them on time you are Protected.
The 7 days off pills are just a placebo ( Sugar Pill ) to remind you to take your pill everyday and start your new pill on time. You should have your period within the week of the " Sugar Pills ".

To better educate yourself on Birth Control and what to do If ( fill in reason ) missed Pill or Pills, pain , bleeding anything that is unusual, Read the Pamphlet that comes with your Prescription . Take notes of anything you do not understand and ask your DR. or Nurse or Pharmacist .

As I have said many times in this Forum, Its the Dr's RESPONSIBILITY spend the time to make sure the Patient UNDERSTANDS the PILL and how to Use it Properly. The Dr. needs to give ample time for Questions and Answers. And it is the Patients RESPONSIBILITY to Read the Directions and to Ask the Questions.

Personally I believe that a Form should be Signed, that the usage was explained and the Patient Understands the side effects and benefits .
This should be for all " New Pills/ Medications a Person may take . "

In my State, the Pharmacist must ask you if you know what the medication is for, how to take it and know what possible side effects could be and ask if you have any questions . Before they can give you the Medication/ Pills the Dr. Prescribed .

[spurs]

So my situation I just finished my week off and took the first pill of the new pack yesterday, and will take the 2nd one tonight. . .is the pill in my system already and I am safe to have sex or do I need to wait for so many days before having sex ?

[spurs]

Hope someone can give me an answer on this

[Bladyn'smommy16]

They always say you should wait a few weeks...

[BabyGirl]

If you have been on the BCP for 4 months you are protected as long as you are taking them correctly .

Are you under the impression that once have your period and finish the Placebo Pills that you have to wait a certain time after you start the New " real " Pills to have Sex ?
Are you thinking that you must do this every Month ?

If so , No you don't have to wait, the only time you'd have to wait is when you very first start the Pills. And if you miss too many pills and have to start over, then you use Condoms and other BC Methods until they pills are in your system again .

As long as you take them like the Directions say, You are protected, every day, every month. It's good you worry enough to make sure you take your Pills. But there's no need for extra worry, Read those Directions, talk with your Health Care Provider, ask Dr. or Nurse to explain any questions or fears so you can understand how the Pill works, then enjoy your Sex life..

[spurs]

Thank you so much ! That helped out a lot

[BabyGirl]

You are very welcome.

Were you thinking that every month that you started a new pack, that you had to wait a few days ?

[spurs]

Yes that is what I was thinking. . I would always wait a few days after I started the new pack, but wasnt sure if I needed to or not. . . I wasnt sure if it would leave my body system during the week I wasnt taking them. . .