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Starting pill pack first day of period???

I started my period today and was off my pills for a month. I just took my first pill and this is the first day of my period. Does that mean I can have sex with my boyfriend tonight with no condom safely? That's what the Planned Parenthood website says but am I interpreting it correctly?

Thanks.

Re: Starting pill pack first day of period???

According to planned parenthood:

Quote:

You may start the combination pill at any time. If you start within five days after the start of your period, you are protected against pregnancy right away. You will not need to use a backup method of birth control. That means that if your period starts on a Wednesday morning, you can start the pill up to Monday morning to be protected right away. If you start at any other time during your menstrual cycle, you will be protected from pregnancy after seven days. Use another method of birth control — like a condom, female condom, diaphragm, or sponge — if you have vaginal intercourse during the first week of use.

If you have started your period & have started the COMBINATION pill, you can assume you are protected. However, it might be best to have the extra protection for a day or two.

Quote:

You may start the progestin-only pill at any time. Use another method of birth control if you have vaginal intercourse during the first 48 hours of progestin-pill use — protection will begin after two days.

But for the progestin pills only, you must use another form of protection for the first two days.

Re: Starting pill pack first day of period???

It depends on the pill. As Barbara has said, if it's the COMBINATION PILL, you can assume you're protected, but it's wise to use an extra form of protection the first couple of times. You don't want any mistakes to happen. But, if you're on the progestin-only pill, you'll need to HAVE an extra form of protection for the first two days.

In any case, it's always best to be safer than sorry. So, until you both feel comfortable without condoms, I'd use them as the website suggests.