Expert: Norman Solberg - 4/10/2009

Question
I began yasmin/ocella birth control pill six days ago. I began it on the first day of my period like my doctor told me to. It did not stop my menstrual flow. Was it supposed to?
Also, I would like to have sex with my boyfriend without using a condom. I do understand that there is still a small risk of me getting pregnant even though I am on a birth control pill. I am always sure to take them at the same time of day. But, how do I know that my pills are working?

Answer
No, starting the pill isn't supposed to stop your flow.  It might make it lighter.  As far as having sex without a condom, just wait until you've been on the pill for 7 days.  That's only true when you first start the pill.  The risk of getting pregnant is small, less than 1% in a year, as long as you don't miss any pills.  As far as knowing that the pill is working, I think you can assume it, since it's been working for millions of women for many years.  The only real way to know is if you get pregnant or not.  There's no other test, but it almost always works, unless you forget a pill.