importance of BCP timing

[niggit]

hi everyone

i was just wondering exactly how close to "the same time each day" i should be taking my birth control pill?

i have been on demulen 30 (which contains estrogen and progesterone) for about 2 years and usually take it just before i go to bed (around 11 or so). i rarely, rarely miss pills all together. the only thing is, some nights (like weekends) i go to bed a few hours later than normal (for example 2 or 3am) if i've been out.

do you think this is a concern?

i almost always use a condom as well, but occasionally we fool around a little before putting one on, or he pulls out prior to ejaculation. i know that this is not effective in and of itself, but i figured coupled with the pill, the chances are pretty low.

anyhow, long story short, i had a lighter-than-usual period this month... it came at the usual time and was accompanied by cramps, but it was only 2 days or so of fairly light bleeding (but heavier than spotting, which i also get typically a week or so before my period)...

is this still considered a period? i'm just feeling a little paranoid because i did have 'unprotected' sex a few days after taking a pill a few hours late. i also was a little late taking the very first pill in that package (about 10 days eariler).

sorry for the long-winded question! let me know what you think... it's been tough finding info on this!

thanks in advance!

[kerri0500]

I asked my doc if a couple of hours matters in the timing of taking the pill and he said it does not. I was messing with mine becuse it was making me sick so i would try with dinner, with lunch or whatever. He said it is not a big deal. good luck!

[hollandlop]

Hmmm, my doctor told me to try and take it at the same time everyday. She said if I'm 1/2 hour late or early, it's ok. She said if I don't take it at the same time everyday I will experience bleeding or spotting.

I don't know if she's right or not. I'm taking Alesse.

[kerri0500]

i changed mine all the time, no spotting or bleeding or anythn=ing...my doc said it was fine so i guess you just have to do what you think is best

[girlygirl11]

It's not the side effects that are the concern its the effectiveness. For most BP pills, several hrs within your original time means you are still protected (I believe its something like up to 12 hrs). For progesterone only pills, you have to be more strict..something like within 1-2 hrs. Each pill varies too though, so your best bet is to check the package insert or the website (if they have one). For the most effective cotraceptive with the best chance of preventing pregnancy, take it at the same time everyday with little leeway.