Quite often instructions on how to use birth control pills vary from clinic to clinic. Generally it’s recommended that a back-up be used for the first month because the Pill may not protect you as effectively during it’s first cycle. However, this can be affected by when you start your first pill pack.
It’s probably not necessary to use a back-up contraceptive (like a condom) if you start taking your pills on the first day of your period. However most pills are “Sunday start”, which means that if you get your period on Monday, you don’t take your first pill until the following Sunday.
If you have a shorter cycle (24 days) you may already be ovulating before the first pill is taken (ovulation cannot be reversed by the pill). If this is you, it’s a good idea to use a condom for the first month. If your cycle is 28 days or longer, you’re probably safe right away. Of course it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Day 1 Start (or “first-day start”)
Take your pill during the first 24 hours of your period. You’ll be protected from the first day you start the Pill and won’t need to use any back-up.
This method reduces the risk of pregnancy by shortening the interval between two packs of pills. Additionally, menstrual flow and cramping are decreased.
Sunday Start
Take the first active pill on the Sunday after you start your period, even if you’re still bleeding. For example, if your period starts on Monday, you take your first pill six days later on the Sunday. If your period starts on Friday, you take your first pill two days later. And if your period starts on a Sunday, you take the Pill that same day.
The Sunday start method can’t be relied on for giving immediate protection, so you will need to use a back-up method of birth control for the first month.
Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth control types (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control(prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
