T O P I C R E V I E W
explosions12
Member # 95105
posted 01-09-2013 12:42 PM
Hi, I've been reading many different opinions on what is considered a late pill. My NP said if it's more than a couple hours, to use back up. And plenty of other medical professionals (and your site) say that you're fine if you take it within 12 hours of the normal time. I'm just confused. I have only taken it at the most within a 2-3 hour window of my usual time. Is this okay? I only forgot once and sometimes just take it a bit earlier (1-2 hrs) if I have some conflict at my usual time. Also, if I have sex on my last active pill and still get a withdrawal bleed am I considered not pregnant still even though I had sex so close to the bleed day? What about having sex on the inactive week after my period ends (day 27-28)? Does the next pack protect me during this time or does the previous pack? Sorry for all the questions, just need some clarification. Thanks!
Heather
Member # 3
posted 01-09-2013 12:43 PM
Is this a combined pill you're taking or a minipill?
explosions12
Member # 95105
posted 01-09-2013 01:29 PM
Combined Pill--Lutera 0.1 mg Levonorgestrel, 0.02 mg ethinyl estradiol
Heather
Member # 3
posted 01-09-2013 01:32 PM
Okay. So, as the patient insert that came with your pill should make clear, a pill taken two hours later than your usual time certainly isn't a late pill. After 12 hours with a combined pill, it's late, after 24, missed. We suggest backing up in general -- especially since the pill offers no STI protection, which condoms do, so they're what we suggest backing up with -- but if you feel comfortable using your pill alone, so long as you take it properly, and *around* the same time of day each day (as in morning, afternoon or evening) you should have the pill's full effectiveness. When you have intercourse when using the pill doesn't matter: the pill is equally effective every day of your cycle. That includes during the placebo week so long as you start the next pack on time.
explosions12
Member # 95105
posted 01-09-2013 01:34 PM
I never missed a pill, just to clarify. Only at the latest 2.5 hrs after my usual time. And took it about 1 hr earlier before expected time.
Heather
Member # 3
posted 01-09-2013 01:35 PM
I understand: I was just trying to fill you in on what a late pill is and what a missed pill is so you know when to back up.
explosions12
Member # 95105
posted 01-09-2013 01:37 PM
Thanks, I understand it does not protect against STIs, and my boyfriend and I are monogamous and he has been tested after being abstinent for over 6 months. The withdrawal bleed is a definite sign of no pregnancy even if I had sex on my last active pill? I understand I should be fully protected if I take it on time, I just want to know if the period is a sure sign even with sex on the day before or two it.
Heather
Member # 3
posted 01-09-2013 01:48 PM
Generally, yes. We know people always want absolute answers from us with this, but I'm afraid we just can rarely give those.