posted
Hi! I tried to find this using the search function but I didn't find it so I'm really sorry if it's already been answered! I took my birth control pill (Marvelon) late by 12 hours. I am in the first week of the pills, the second day actually. Do I need to use a back-up method of birth control? My partner and I have both had the requisite 2 STI screenings that came back clear and we're monogamous. And if I do need to use a back-up method, how long do I have to use it for?
Posts: 44 | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
Yes you should. It's recommended that you wait at least one month of being on the pill before you rely on it alone.
STI/STD screens are irrelevant. The pill does not protect you from them. Only a condom can help. You should wait 6 months between negative screens. If you and your partner still show up negative in 6 months, then you can be pretty sure that neither of you have anything.
Posts: 203 | From: Laguna Niguel, CA, USA | Registered: May 2004
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posted
Hi, thanks for the answer but I think my question was really really unclear so I'm gonna rephrase. I'm on the second pill of this pack but I've been on the pill for 2 years. So my question is do I have to use a back-up method of birth control if I've missed a pill in the first week of this pack?
Posts: 44 | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
12 hours is a pretty big gap for missing a pill, so it's likely to have an effect on the effectiveness. Most pill inserts say use a backup method for the next 7 days, but it wouldn't hurt to use condoms until the next pill pack, just to be on the safe side.
Posts: 1679 | From: London, ON | Registered: Jan 2003
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I just checked the pill insert, thanks for mentioning this wobblyheadedjane, I hadn't thought of it! In the insert it says that if the missed pill was during the first week of the pack then you don't have to use a back-up method at all. I wonder if that's being a bit optimistic of the birth control company?
Posts: 44 | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
Yes and no... if you've been on the pill continuously for over a month, then you probably have a pretty good amount of the hormones in your body. Though it's probably better to be safe than sorry!
Posts: 203 | From: Laguna Niguel, CA, USA | Registered: May 2004
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posted
At twelve hours, I think you'd be pushing it a bit much there. Indeed, my pill pack specifically says if my pill is taken more than 3 HOURS late, consider it compromised.
I think condoms until you start your nezt pack would be your safest bet.
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