Just started Birth Control - Could I be pregnant?

[yoyoyoyo]

I was with my boyfriend the other night and the condom broke. I just started the pill, and I was only on the 8th pill of the pack, but the first day I took it at a different time than the other 7 because I decided a different time would be better. I also didn't start it on my period, I started it the Sunday after. I'm kind of worried - do I have a big chance of getting pregnant?

[gonza]

Anytime you have sex there is a possibility of becoming pregnant.  I think you have to take one complete cycle of birth control pills for the drug to become effective.  I commend you on your choice to be responsible, but remember that nothing is 100% except for abstinance.  IF you are late for your period test to set your mind at ease.  Good luck.

[waterskigirl]

Yes you do have a chance of being pregnant, I wouldn't call it a big chance but anytime you have unprotected sex there is always the possibility.  You were doing the right thing by using the condom since you hadn't completed an entire month of the pill.  Unfortunately there isn't a whole lot you can do except to wait for the week of pills where you would expect your AF.  Still take the pills and try to take them at the same time each day.  If you get to the Placebo week and AF doesn't show, then take an HPT. Try not to stress and worry too much as that can affect your flow too.  Good luck, I hope it turns the way you want.

[greenpixie]

Ditto on Gonza's comments. The pill only works if you've been on it a while.  You should probably test just to be certain. It's hard to say what the odds are for you b/c every woman is different.  Good luck.

[Christie2004]

Actually, the time til effective varies by pill.  Most package inserts tell you to use additional methods of contraception for the first 7 days.   You can read the package insert or call your pharmacist to ask.
You should also take them at the same time each day.  The start date is generally the first Sunday after your period starts, although this too can vary by pill.  Again, your patient package insert should explain it all, or you can ask your pharmacist.

Gonza and the others have it right--keep taking it until you get to the placebo week and see if you get your period.  That's about all you can do right now.

[ateague]

I commend you for using two different kinds of bc!  Bravo!  I haven't been on bcp for a while, but they vary in effective time needed.  My doctor told me when I got on bcp 10 years ago, it usually takes 3 months of consistent use for the pill to be that 99.9% effective.  You did everything right, but sometimes we just can't predict when these kind of things are going to hapen.  The best thing you can do is to keep taking the pill like normal and if your period doesn't come, take a hpt.  I think you should be alright, but to be on the safe side keep taking them.  Good luck and HTH!

[monkeyflower]

Christie's right. If you start the pill on the first day of your period, you're protected from the start. If you use the Sunday start method, you only need to use additional birth control for the first seven days. Since this was on your eighth day, you're most likely fine. Read the package insert, and don't stress out ;-)

[yoyoyoyo]

I really just wanted to thank you all for getting back to me so quickly, I really appreciate it. I went to the doctor because I was so freaked out and she gave me the EC pill since you can take it up to 5 days after so I'm so much more at ease. I just really would like to say thank you because it's nice to know there are others out there willing to answer my pressing questions!