Start the pill on the 3rd week of my cycle

[elliesun]

Hello everyone

I started the pill on the 20th day of my 28th day cycle. I was wondering whether it will be effective meaning if I will get my period on the 28th day even if i m on the pill and if I need to use other methods of contraception (if yes when will it be effective?).

Thank you in advance

[ShimmeringFaerie]

It depends. What do the instructions on your packet say?

I've never actually heard of a pill starting mid-cycle like that. I've only heard of "start of the first day of your period" or "start on the first Sunday of your period". So does your packet actually tell you to start on day 20?

When taken correctly, the pill is supposed to be effective after a week. However, most doctors recommend using additional protection for the first full cycle. If you've started your pill at the wrong time, then I would definitely recommend waiting a full cycle since you don't know how that might have compromised the effectiveness.

[LucyLouWho]

I've always, always, always been told to start any BC the Sunday after you begin your period... so it's usually within the first 1-6 days of your cycle that you're beginning birth control.

[taylalatbh.]

I don't think there's anything that wrong with starting it mid-cycle. The only thing is is that you probably won't be protected until you've taken a full packet or two. And it would assume that it would set your period to come in the weeks break. But I'm no doctor, I could be totally wrong.

Keep taking it, see how it goes. But use a condom when having sex. I would advise speaking to a doctor, though. Just to make sure things are okay. Take care.