Hi Anonymous,
Yes, the birth control pill is only as effective as how well you take it. You need to take it on time every day. That is the only way to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy, besides for not having unprotected sex.
The bleeding you're getting may be what's called pill withdrawal bleeding; it's not uncommon to get that when you forget to take your pills. If you are just starting the pill, are you using a backup method? It's a good idea to use condoms or spermicide (or other birth control method) for a while until you are on the pill for a while. Make sure you completely read the paper that came with your prescription. That patient insert explains when to take the pill, and what to do if you miss pills, etc.
Typically, do you brush them at the same time every day? It may be a good idea to take the pills at the same time as you brush your teeth so you don't forget to take them. Keep your pills with the tooth paste, so you don't forget. If you do regularly forget, and can't find a way to remember to take them, the pill may not be right for you. Talk with the prescribing doctor to find a better method for you.
Here is an advocacy sheet I wrote about missing birth control pills:
https://www.empowher.com/sexual-well-being/content/oops-missed-birth-control-pill-advocacy-sheet
Good luck, and let us know how you're doing.
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Hi Anonymous,
September 20, 2010 - 11:35amYes, the birth control pill is only as effective as how well you take it. You need to take it on time every day. That is the only way to protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy, besides for not having unprotected sex.
The bleeding you're getting may be what's called pill withdrawal bleeding; it's not uncommon to get that when you forget to take your pills. If you are just starting the pill, are you using a backup method? It's a good idea to use condoms or spermicide (or other birth control method) for a while until you are on the pill for a while. Make sure you completely read the paper that came with your prescription. That patient insert explains when to take the pill, and what to do if you miss pills, etc.
Typically, do you brush them at the same time every day? It may be a good idea to take the pills at the same time as you brush your teeth so you don't forget to take them. Keep your pills with the tooth paste, so you don't forget. If you do regularly forget, and can't find a way to remember to take them, the pill may not be right for you. Talk with the prescribing doctor to find a better method for you.
Here is an advocacy sheet I wrote about missing birth control pills:
https://www.empowher.com/sexual-well-being/content/oops-missed-birth-control-pill-advocacy-sheet
Good luck, and let us know how you're doing.
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