QuestionI recently started taking Loestrin 24 due tot he fack that I have been regular for 7 years, and in Aug. of 07 I completely missed my period and was on day 51 of my cycle before I even got anything that was remotely close to a period. When I finally got it Sept. 7 which is highly unusual, since I get my period the week before the month ends. Anyway, I am on day 10 of my first pack of pills, but was wondering how long I should wait before having unprotected sex. My fiance and I had intercourse 7 days after I started the pill and then the next two evenings I missed my pill and was wondering if I could be pregnant, due to my messed up cycle and such?
AnswerDear Kris,
When taking the BCP, if you miss pills you are vulnerable to becoming pregnant unless you use a back-up method of birth control.
According to most manufacturers, for the first 7 days of taking the BCP, women should use an additional form of contraception, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy. After 7 days, the BCP should work alone to prevent pregnancy. Personally, I usually recommend that women use a back-up method of contraception for the first full cycle of BCP use for those who want to make sure they do not get pregnant.
If you miss two pills in a row, you should take two pills as soon as you remember and two pills the next day. You may have some spotting whenever you miss a pill in the middle of a cycle. You should use your back-up method of birth control until your next period if any pills are missed in a cycle.
There will be no way of knowing if you have conceived until you reach the end of this cycle and know whether you have a normal period or not. If you have a period that is lighter than normal for you or spotty, you should test for pregnancy at the end of that period week. Make sure that you use 1st morning urine to get a concentrated sample for the most accurate results.
I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.
Brenda
