what day to start BC? - Birth Control Message Board

shelovestoski · 04-22-2003, 03:22 PM

I got my birth control prescription today, and the pills. I'm on the fifth and last day of my period. Today is Tuesday. Do I start taking BC for the first time this coming sunday? I'm just feeling confused. Please help!

Thisby · 04-22-2003, 10:53 PM

It DOES matter when you start your pills. You can't just go and get a pack and start taking them whenever you want.

Doesn't your pack have instructions? Usually, the instructions will say start the pills the first Sunday after you start your period, but in your case, that would have been been on the 20th. Waiting another 7 days to have a Sunday start is not an option. I believe at this point your only option (other than waiting until next month) is to do a fifth-day start, which would be now. (And even though it's Wednesday already , it would still be okay to start today.)

wrin · 04-22-2003, 11:13 PM

I don't imagine it could matter THAT much, or there wouldn't be so many different ways to take it.

I was told to take it the first day of my next period. Like, the first day I bled. Some instructions give you like two or three options. In the end (IE after a couple months) it really doesn't matter.

Balissa · 04-23-2003, 09:13 AM

I've been on a half-dozen brands of pills (they all make me feel like crap). Ideally, you start on the first day of your period or the first Sunday after you start your period. The truth is, though, that it doesn't really matter when you start. You should just be aware of how it will affect your cycle. With most bcp, you are not safe until you have been taking the pill for seven days. You will probably not get your period when you expect it, instead you will get it when you get to the sugar pills.

BCP work by stopping ovulation from occuring. That can be acheived at any point in your cycle after taking the pill for seven days. You might try contacting the manufacturer of the brand of pills you are taking and asking them what they suggest you do.

ButtMunch · 04-23-2003, 11:38 AM

The instructions with my pills told me to start on the Sunday after my period I called my doctor the day i got my period and he told me to take the first one then. I'm not sure if it really matters at all.
Should maybe ask your doctor.

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