posted
I've now been on the pill for eight months, but my timing for the first six was very haphazard (although none of the pills were ever missed). For example, I was taking a pill once at nine, then the next at ten, the next at three in the morning, then the next at ten again, etc.
I started my period on the third day after taking my last active pill of that pack, then started my next pill packet on the eighth day. Would I have been protected straight away after taking that first pill of my new packet, despite my chaotic timing for the months before? Many thanks!
Posts: 4 | From: England | Registered: Sep 2012
| IP: Logged |
Robin Lee
Volunteer Assistant Director
Member # 90293
posted
Hi Xanthism,
There is a three hour window both before and after the time you usually take your pill in which the pill is considered "on time". A few pills that are a few hours later than that aren't known to dramatically reduce the effectiveness. So, your pill taking isn't quite as haphazard as it seems.
It sounds like you're now taking your pills more consistently?
-------------------- Robin Posts: 4602 | From: Washington DC suburbs | Registered: Dec 2011
| IP: Logged |
posted
Yes, I was on Dianette at the time, and a pill taken twelve hours after my usual time (which was nine PM) would be considered late, which none of them were. I was just wondering if despite taking it at different times I would have still been protected over my seven day break and as soon as I started my next pill packet, considering I'd been on them for six months and taking them in this way. And yes, since I started that new packet, I've had an alarm set for the evening!
Posts: 4 | From: England | Registered: Sep 2012
| IP: Logged |
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