Panda asked
Hi, I’m wondering when to start my birth control (Trinessa Lo). My period was Tues 5/29- Fri 6/1 and I usually do the "Sunday Start" (Sunday after period starts), so I would have started a new pack on Sunday 6/3 . However, I was not able to start a new pack on Sunday 6/3 because my Rx was still in the mail. I have my Rx now but it's been almost a week since I was supposed to start the new pack. I’m just wondering (1) when I should start taking the pill and (2) if I should start with the typical pill that I start with (white) or another color? Side note: I have not been sexually active in the past few week and don't plan on it. I've also been taking birth control for years. I spoke with someone in my Doctor's office that relaying the message from my doctor but she sounded unsure and they said that I can start the new pack today or tomorrow but saying its okay to check with a pharmacist, too. Then I spoke with a pharmacist and they suggested waiting until 3 weeks from now but on a Sunday.... however, that wouldn't make sense because that would be before my period starts.
Answer
You can start your birth control pill one of two ways:
- Sunday Starter (starting on the Sunday after your period)
- "First Day" Starter (starting on the first day of your period)
.
The main difference between the "Sunday Starter" and "First Day Starter" is whether or not you need to use back-up contraception for 7 days if you are sexually active. For "Sunday Starters" you do, for "First Day Starters", you do not.
You case is more of special situation as it you have been already taking birth control pills consistently and it has been more than one week from your usual start date.
Starting Your Birth Control Pill Mid-Cycle
Being one week late from your usual start date means that you are currently in the middle of your menstrual cycle. You can safely start your pills now if you want to. Several sources state that starting birth control pills anytime is safe. However, like "Sunday Starters", starting your birth control pills mid-cycle means that you have to be aware of two things:
- You will not be protected from pregnancy until you taken 7 consecutive days of active pills. Therefore you must take back-up contraception if you are sexually active.
- You will most likely experience spotting and breakthrough bleeding for the duration of your cycle. Your body will generally go back to normal your next cycle but there is a small chance the irregular bleeding can occur for a few months.
So, the direct answer to your question is that you can start your birth control pills anytime after being one week late. You can start them now, but remember to use back-up contraception for 7 days. If you want to keep your same schedule as before, wait until your usual start day.
It is generally not recommended to start mid-pack and only take the remaining pills for the rest of your cycle. Be sure to complete one entire cycle to minimize side effects and ensure protection from pregnancy.
