Started the pill mid-cycle; when can I have sex without a condom?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Glory Box♥
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Glory Box♥

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NOTE: I am not concerned about STDs because I am in a stable, monogamous relationship. I also realize that no birth control is 100% effective, with the exception of abstinence; I'm asking when the pill will be effective.

I was started on tri-sprintec (generic form of ortho tri-cyclen) on Wednesday, which was day 17 of my cycle (I had my last period on January 4th). The doctor said I could start immediately because on Saturday, I had to take the morning after pill and already pumped my body full of synthetic hormones.

In how many weeks will it be okay for me to have sex without a condom? My concern is that because birth control pills work to prevent pregnancy partially by preventing ovulation, and I had already ovulated when I went on the pills, they won't be as effective for a while. Is waiting until I'm on the second pack of pills (i.e. one month) safe?
Thanks for the responses guys. Do I really have to wait an entire three months before having unprotected sex? My nurse actually said I'd be okay after seven days, but I thought that was a tad risky so I am waiting at least two weeks if not a full month. I thought the three month rule only applied to older birth control pills.
 
If this is the first pack of birth control pills that you have taken for a while or ever for that matter you need to wait at least until your third month of taking the pill before you have unprotected sex (sex without a condom). Your body needs to have a steady stream of hormones in your blood stream and this will stabilize only after 3 months. Right now its too early, your hormone levels will be highest right when you take the pill but will decline throughout the day until you take your next pill, putting you at risk for pregnancy because of the rollercoaster of hormones in your body that aren't at a steady level yet. You might already know but to decrease your risk of pregnancy you must use the pill at the same time every day and if you miss a day take it as soon as you remember and definitely use a condom during those times. Also antibiotics render the pill ineffective so use a condom for sure if you are on medication. I am a nurse so I hope this helps.
 
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