QuestionI started taking Ortho Tryclen Lo in August. I didnt realize that I needed to wait for my period to start to take them so I started them on the Sunday after I recieved them instead. I have not had my period since July.. I am assuming the one in august didn't come because I had just started taking the pills. But now i am on my third day of inactive pills and have not gotten my period. Is this because I started them incorrectly? Should I be worried? What should I do and when should my period come?
AnswerHi Autumn,
You are correct, you did not have a period in August because you had started taking the pills and were on the active pills during the time you would have gotten your period.
It is ok that you did wait for your period before starting the pill. However when doing that you should use a back-up birth control method such as a condom for at least 7 days after you start the pill (some recommend you use a back-up method for the entire month). If not, there is an increased risk of pregnancy. It also is fine that you have not started your period yet. It can start at any time during the inactive pill week and is not considered late. Some women will start their period at the beginning of that week, others not until the end. Also, your period can be lighter (sometimes no more than spotting) and even skip a month or more when on the pill. All of this is normal and not a cause for concern as long as you have been taking the pill correctly.
I suggest you wait for now until you start a new pack. If you do not get your period by then, and you think you may be at an increased chance of pregnancy based on the above, then take a home pregnancy test. If that is not the case, then I think you can wait until the next month and see what happens. But if you are still concerned, you should give your doctor a call.
I hope this has helped. If you have further questions let me know.
-Mia
