How long does it really take to start working?

April 3, 2009 7:31 AM

I've heard everything from needing to wait one month, to going through 3 packs of BCP before it becomes effective (if you don't start the first during your period). I'm about to start my second pack of Yasmin on Sunday, and with all the conflicting answers being thrown at me I'm confused as to when condoms can finally be put aside. Sure, I can wait through several more months. But I don't want to, y'know? Must I really? (Will you confuse me too, mefi?)

In a committed, long-term relationship, pregnancies have been discussed and agreements formed, so everything is covered on those bases. Not interested in using the pill and condoms at the same time indefinitely, even as I'm aware of the increased statistical protection :) I know you guys care!

posted by Bakuun to Health & Fitness (10 answers total)

If you're on your second pack, and you've taken them correctly and consistently, you're totally fine.
posted by All.star at 7:40 AM on April 3, 2009 [2 favorites]

As I understand it, if you started on day one of your period, you're protected. If you did a Sunday start, you need to use a condom for the seven days following. If you're on your second pack, you should be fine.

Yasmin Patient Info.
posted by LittleKnitting at 7:41 AM on April 3, 2009

Yeah, you're fine. I've never heard waiting three packs. When I started back on Yaz, my GYN said I only needed to wait three weeks.
posted by Ruki at 7:43 AM on April 3, 2009

My doctor always told me that if you don't start it on the first day of your period, to wait until I've been on the pill for an entire packet. I did this for 7 years with no "oops" pregnancies.

Also, when I was on the pill, and in a monogamous relationship where STDs weren't an issue, we still chose to use backup but in the form of spermicidal gel. I think these are what we used. Less of an interruption (you can insert it beforehand), and a nice little extra added protection.
posted by tastybrains at 7:43 AM on April 3, 2009

One month is conservative--pill manufacturers often say "two weeks." I've never heard three months, and I've done two counseling trainings in sexuality/contraceptive/pregnancy options peer counseling.

The folks at Scarleteen are on the same page, saying that "it's best to go one full cycle before you stop worrying about a backup."
posted by Sidhedevil at 7:44 AM on April 3, 2009

IANAD, but I'd say if you've finished one pack and take it consistently, you're probably safe. (Of course, even the pill is not 100% effective, so backup is still recommended anyway.) The 3-month thing you're referring to is I think when most people's bodies have adjusted to the pill and you stop noticing major side effects (e.g. spotting, depression, etc.).
posted by LolaGeek at 8:03 AM on April 3, 2009 [1 favorite]

As some others have said, if you started the first pack on the first day of your period, you only need to wait 7 days. If not, I think a month is the standard waiting period. I've never heard of waiting three months.

So go for it!
posted by DeucesHigh at 9:31 AM on April 3, 2009

I have always, only ever heard that after you finish the first month, you're good to go. Have fun!
posted by chowflap at 9:40 AM on April 3, 2009

Response by poster: Thanks guys! And thank you Sidhedevil for that link - useful reading.
posted by Bakuun at 10:08 AM on April 3, 2009

How long after I start taking pills do I have to wait before I am protected?

ALL women are protected AFTER 7 days after starting oral contraceptive pills, no matter when in a cycle they start.

(2) Use of a backup for 7 days is recommended if pills are started beyond the 5th day since a period began.

It is NOT a month, a full cycle, three months, etc. The pill is effective either immediately or after seven days, depending on when in your cycle you start it.
posted by Violet Hour at 11:05 AM on April 3, 2009 [1 favorite]