Birth Control Pills: Timing, Effects, and Interactions

I am #145268?

Hello, doctor.
Since the clinic I visited does not provide Yuzi, I switched to taking Aiji contraceptive pills.

Q1: I would like to ask, as some people say that if you want to prevent pregnancy, you should start taking the pills on the first day, but the doctor told me I could start on the fifth day.
Should I start on the first day or the fifth day?
Q2: Since my period started on April 10th, if I need to take the pills on the first day, does that mean I should take two pills today, April 11th, the second day?
Q3: How long after starting the contraceptive pills will they become effective for pregnancy prevention?
Q4: I am also taking traditional Chinese medicine for weight loss and weight control.
Will this have any effect? (I take the herbal medicine in the morning after waking up, so I will take it before bed.) The herbal ingredients include: Guo Gu Lan, Jue Ming Zi, Lotus Leaf, Green Tea, Grapefruit Essential Oil, Yellow Lingzhi, Bitter Melon, Tu Ren Shen, Qing Teng Zi, He Shou Wu, and Turmeric Essence.
The effects include: - Dissolving fat, weight loss, especially in the abdomen, thighs, and arms.
- Liver detoxification, lowering blood lipids, purifying the intestines, and clearing blood to prevent diseases.
- Promoting rapid muscle growth, moisturizing the skin, aiding in menstrual regulation and nourishing blood, beneficial for the mammary glands.
- Helping to limit calorie intake and suppress appetite.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/11

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The clinic did not provide Yuezhi, so I switched to taking Aiji contraceptive pills.
Q1: I would like to ask because some people say that if you want to prevent pregnancy, you should start taking it on the first day, but when I picked up the medication, the doctor told me to start on the fifth day.
Should I start on the first day or the fifth day? Ans: Both are acceptable.
Q2: Since I got my period on April 10th, if I need to start on the first day, then today, April 11th, should I take two pills? Ans: You can start on the fifth day.
Q3: How long after starting the contraceptive pills will they be effective for pregnancy prevention? Ans: 7-14 days.
Q4: I am also taking traditional Chinese medicine for weight control; will this have any effect? (I take the herbal medicine in the morning, so I take it before bed.) Ans: It will not have any effect.
Herbal ingredients: Guo Gu Lan, Jue Ming Zi, Lotus Leaf, Green Tea, Grapefruit Essential Oil, Yellow Ganoderma, Bitter Melon, Earth Ginseng, Qing Teng Zi, He Shou Wu, Turmeric Extract.
Effects: - Dissolves fat, aids in weight loss, especially in the abdomen, thighs, and arms.
- Detoxifies the liver, lowers blood lipids, purifies the intestines, and cleanses the blood to prevent diseases.
- Promotes rapid muscle growth, moisturizes the skin, helps regulate menstruation and nourish the blood, and is beneficial for the mammary glands.
- Helps limit calorie intake and suppress appetite.

Reply Date: 2019/04/11

More Info

When it comes to understanding birth control pills, there are several important factors to consider, including timing, effectiveness, and potential interactions with other medications or supplements. Let's address your questions one by one.

Q1: Should I start taking the pill on the first day of my period or the fifth day?
Typically, the recommendation for starting birth control pills can vary based on the type of pill and individual circumstances. Most healthcare providers suggest starting the pill on the first day of your menstrual cycle (the first day of your period) for immediate contraceptive protection. However, if you start taking the pill within the first five days of your cycle, you may still achieve effective contraception, but it might take a week for the pill to become fully effective. Since your doctor advised starting on the fifth day, it’s likely they assessed your specific situation and deemed it appropriate. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions, as they know your medical history best.

Q2: If I start on the first day, should I take two pills the next day?
No, you should not take two pills on the second day. Birth control pills are designed to be taken once daily. If you start on the first day of your period, you will take one pill each day thereafter. Taking two pills in one day can lead to side effects and is not recommended unless specifically directed by your healthcare provider.

Q3: How long after starting the pill will it be effective for contraception?
Generally, if you start taking combination birth control pills (which contain both estrogen and progestin) on the first day of your period, they are effective immediately. If you start taking them at any other time in your cycle, it usually takes about seven days for the pills to become effective. During this time, it is advisable to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, to prevent pregnancy.

Q4: Will taking herbal supplements affect the effectiveness of the birth control pill?
Herbal supplements can interact with birth control pills, potentially affecting their effectiveness. Some herbs, like St. John's Wort, are known to decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. The herbal ingredients you mentioned, such as green tea and others, may not have well-documented interactions, but caution is always advised. It’s essential to discuss any herbal supplements you are taking with your healthcare provider to ensure they do not interfere with your birth control method.

In summary, when starting birth control pills, it’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider's guidance regarding when to start and how to take them. Understanding the timing and potential interactions with other medications, including herbal supplements, is vital for ensuring effective contraception. If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can provide you with the most accurate information based on your health history and current medications.

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