Loestrin & Protection: How Long After Stopping Is It Effective?

Question
I started Loestrin last month on cd3 to help get rid of a cyst. But of course my boyfriend and I took advantage of this protection. My cyst is gone and cd 24 I stopped the loestrin and started my period the next day (today). How long after stopping the pill am I still protected?

Answer
I did some research and it seems that no one really knows how long you are protected after stopping birth control pills. One website  said that "Birth control pills are out of your system almost immediately, which is why they tell you to use a backup form of birth control if you miss two pills in a row." However, other sites say that it could take 1 or 2 months or more. I would be cautious and if you don't want to get pregnant, abstain or use some kind of non-hormonal birth control method. I never recommend any kind of hormonal birth control method because of health reasons. If you want to talk more, just email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com so write soon.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl