Starting Birth Control Pills Before Your Period: What to Know - Obstetrics and Gynecology

More Info

---

When it comes to starting birth control pills, particularly for the purpose of delaying your period, there are several important factors to consider. First, let’s clarify how birth control pills work and the timeline for achieving effective contraception.

Birth control pills, like the one you mentioned (Yaz), are hormonal contraceptives that typically contain a combination of estrogen and progestin. When taken correctly, they can effectively prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus to block sperm, and thin the uterine lining to prevent implantation. However, the timing of when you start taking the pills is crucial for achieving effective contraception.

In your case, since you started taking the pill on January 13, which is ten days before your expected period on January 23, it’s important to note that most birth control pills require a full seven days of consistent use before they provide reliable contraceptive protection. Therefore, if you take the pill consistently every day, you should have effective contraception by January 20. This means that if you engage in unprotected intercourse after this date, you should be protected from pregnancy.

However, if you are using the pill primarily to delay your period, it’s essential to understand how to do this correctly. Many birth control pills can be used continuously to skip periods. You can do this by taking active pills from a second pack without taking the placebo pills from the first pack. This method allows you to avoid having a withdrawal bleed (your period) during the time you wish to delay it. It’s advisable to consult with your healthcare provider about this method to ensure it’s suitable for you.

Additionally, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects when starting birth control pills. Common side effects can include nausea, breast tenderness, mood changes, and breakthrough bleeding, especially in the first few months of use. If you experience severe side effects or have concerns, it’s crucial to reach out to your healthcare provider.

Moreover, if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications, it’s essential to discuss these with your healthcare provider, as they can affect the efficacy of the birth control pill or increase the risk of side effects.

Lastly, while birth control pills are highly effective, no contraceptive method is 100% foolproof. Therefore, if you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, consider using a backup method, such as condoms, during the first week of starting the pill or until you are confident in its effectiveness.

In summary, starting your birth control pill ten days before your expected period is a reasonable approach, and you should achieve effective contraception by January 20 if taken consistently. If you wish to delay your period, consult your healthcare provider about the best way to do this with your specific pill. Always prioritize open communication with your healthcare provider to ensure that you are using the pill safely and effectively.