If you are using the combined birth control pill, and have been taking it consistently and correctly for the past 14 days, the pills are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy (when used alone; a condom would add more protection).
If this is your first time using the pills, you would need to wait until Week 4, during the time your pills are "inactive" (do not contain active hormones), and you would experience bleeding during this time. (You are correct: women using hormonal contraception do not have true menstrual periods, but do have "withdrawal bleeding" during the time of inactive pills).
If you do not experience any bleeding during your inactive week, you can take a home pregnancy test or contact your doctor (it is a good question for your doctor, since this is your first-ever pill pack).
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If you are using the combined birth control pill, and have been taking it consistently and correctly for the past 14 days, the pills are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy (when used alone; a condom would add more protection).
If this is your first time using the pills, you would need to wait until Week 4, during the time your pills are "inactive" (do not contain active hormones), and you would experience bleeding during this time. (You are correct: women using hormonal contraception do not have true menstrual periods, but do have "withdrawal bleeding" during the time of inactive pills).
If you do not experience any bleeding during your inactive week, you can take a home pregnancy test or contact your doctor (it is a good question for your doctor, since this is your first-ever pill pack).
April 28, 2011 - 2:00pmThis Comment
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