BCP - when to start?

SittinUnderAPalmTree · February 2011

My doctor gave me a prescription for the pill yesterday at my four week pp check-up. When I asked her when I should start taking it, she told me that I could start now and use backup birth control for the first month or wait for my period and then start it. Just curious what others have done and if there is a reason to start now or wait for my period. Thanks for any advice!

TBLilyRose · February 2011

My doc told me to start in the Sunday after I got the Rx. She said if I got my period after not to worry about it and just keep taking the pill.

SittinUnderAPalmTree · February 2011

TBLilyRose:
My doc told me to start in the Sunday after I got the Rx. She said if I got my period after not to worry about it and just keep taking the pill.

Thanks!

hopkins5 · February 2011

Why would you wait for your period? You could be ovulating between now and then.

mrsseguin · February 2011

I started to have some light bleeding which I thought was the start of my first period. So, I started my pills then. Then the bleeding stopped...I continued to take them since I had already started them. I told my OB about it and she said it was fine I started them...we've been using condoms as a backup for now as well.

I always thought that you had to have a period to start them. I'd personally wait, but if your OB said it was ok, then I guess you could start them.

SittinUnderAPalmTree · February 2011

hopkins_tj@yahoo.ca:
Why would you wait for your period? You could be ovulating between now and then.

I understand that, and I wasn't planning on having unprotected sex. I'm just wondering if there were any pros/cons to starting now or waiting it out, since my doctor told me that it's up to me.

mrsseguin · February 2011

hopkins_tj@yahoo.ca:
Why would you wait for your period? You could be ovulating between now and then.

That's why a 'backup' birth control method was suggested for the first month.

SittinUnderAPalmTree · February 2011

mrsseguin:
hopkins_tj@yahoo.ca:
Why would you wait for your period? You could be ovulating between now and then.
That's why a 'backup' birth control method was suggested for the first month.

Right, so my thinking is why start the pill now if I have to use condoms for a whole month anyway?

In the past, I always started on the Sunday after a period AND used a backup method for the first week. I'm not sure why this doctor would tell me otherwise and that's why I was asking for opinions.

hopkins5 · February 2011

SittinUnderAPalmTree:
hopkins_tj@yahoo.ca:
Why would you wait for your period? You could be ovulating between now and then.
I understand that, and I wasn't planning on having unprotected sex. I'm just wondering if there were any pros/cons to starting now or waiting it out, since my doctor told me that it's up to me.

Gotcha. I'd never heard of anyone waiting for their period but I guess if that's what you're comfortable with, then go for it. Sorry I can't be more help. I'm not sure if there are any significant pros or cons for waiting versus starting right away. My OB told me to fill my prescription and take the first pill that day.

mrsseguin · February 2011

SittinUnderAPalmTree:
mrsseguin:
hopkins_tj@yahoo.ca:
Why would you wait for your period? You could be ovulating between now and then.
That's why a 'backup' birth control method was suggested for the first month.
Right, so my thinking is why start the pill now if I have to use condoms for a whole month anyway?
In the past, I always started on the Sunday after a period AND used a backup method for the first week. I'm not sure why this doctor would tell me otherwise and that's why I was asking for opinions.

I've never thought the pill was effective at preventing pregnancy the first month you started it....I could be totally wrong though. I never really looked into it. I just feel more comfortable using a backup method for the first month.

andoolittle · February 2011

If you are going on the mini-pill you can start it whenever. It works differently than the regular birth control pills. You can also read the information sheet that comes folded up with your pills.

ChelStefani · February 2011

I was always told to start the first pill the day after your period so it is consistent with your natural cycle, and to always use a back up BC method for the first month until the pill becomes effective.

swimming47 · February 2011

If I had waited until I got my period with DD1 I wouldn't have started the pill at all. I started it the Sunday after I got the pill (i was on the mini pill)

cosmobella · February 2011

You can start now- no need to wait for your period. Waiting for your period is typically done to prove that you're not pregnant. Hopefully you already have this information. How long you need back-up is pill specific (check the paperwork you received with the brand you are taking) but typically it should be used for a week. I'm a pharmacist, FYI. Check out Planned parenthood: click "How do I start.."

https://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-pill-4228.htm

Want a personalized experience?

BCP - when to start?

Re: BCP - when to start?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards