I've been on the pill for about 3 years now. I ran out of refills, and got a new prescription from my dr today. When I started 3 years ago, I started on a Tuesday because I didn't want to have to wait, and it didn't give me any issues.
My question is that I know that most people start their pill on the Sunday after their period. That would be this coming Sunday for me, as I finished my period about two days ago. I normally start on a Tuesday, but I'll have been off my pack for a week. Also, I normally get my period on the weekends since I start on Tuesday and that can be kind of a bummer, I just never changed it because I didn't want to be off of the pill for too long.
I'm just wondering if I were to start on Sunday (after being off of the pill for a week) would it really matter? I know it might be a really simple question, but since I've been doing it the same way for so long I was just wondering. Thanks!
Posts: 61 | From: MA | Registered: Jun 2009
| IP: Logged |
posted
It really doesn't matter what day you start, it's just that if a person takes longer than a seven day placebo break, they basically need to start their pills all over again in terms of effectiveness.
In other words, if you're using them for birth control, and you start in a way that means you had more than seven days off active pills, you'll need to wait a full pack before you can count on them being fully effective or use a backup method.
-------------------- Heather Corinna, Executive Director & Founder, Scarleteen About Me • Get our book! Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - Margaret Mead Posts: 63425 | From: An island near Seattle | Registered: May 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Great, thanks!
Posts: 61 | From: MA | Registered: Jun 2009
| IP: Logged |
Robin Lee
Volunteer Assistant Director
Member # 90293
posted
Heather beat me too responding.
In addition to what she said, I think you might find this article helpful as a reference for pill questions (though you can also always come ask us too)
Copyright 1998, 2013 Heather Corinna/Scarleteen
Scarleteen.com: Providing comprehensive sex education online to teens and young adults worldwide since 1998
Information on this site is provided for educational purposes. It is not meant to and cannot substitute for advice or care provided by an in-person medical professional. The information contained herein is not meant to be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or for prescribing any medication. You should always consult your own healthcare provider if you have a health problem or medical condition.
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic