Birth control asked
I started my birth control on Sunday while I was on my period. Today I take the 7th pill. Am I protected for unprotected sex
Answer
The two most common ways to start your birth control pills are:
- Sunday Start
- First Day Start
Sunday Start And Pregnancy Prevention
With the Sunday Start method, you begin taking your birth control pills on the first Sunday after you get your period. With this method, you should not be consider the pills to be effective as a contraceptive until after the first 7 consecutive days. For the first 7 days, you should use a non-hormonal contraceptive, such as condoms. For example:
- You get your period on Friday. Start your birth control pills on Sunday.
- If you are sexually active, you need to use back-up contraception until the next Sunday (assuming you take your birth control pills consistently at the same time every day and do not miss doses).
In your situation, as you have taken 7 consecutive active pills, the birth control pills you are taking are effective in preventing pregnancy.
First Day Start And Pregnancy Prevention
With the First Day Start method, you begin taking your birth control pills on the first day of your period. With this method, you do not need to use back-up contraception. You are protected from pregnancy.
