Expert: Diana Archer - 8/2/2009

Question
Hello Diana!  

I've just started taking the pill this month, on the first day of my period. 8 days later, i had sex with my boyfriend without any other kind of protection. And again 4 days later. It's supposed to start working from the very first day according to the pill's official website, but i can't help but worry. Do you know if they do work from the very first pack?

Right now i'm on my 19th pill and i had some brown spotting. As i'm almost finished with my 21 pill pack, i'm wondering when should i expect my period? During the non-pill week? I usually get my period every 28 days.

If i don't get my period, when would you think i should do a pregnancy test?

Thank you so much for your time and for sharing your knowledge! I really appreciate it.

Answer
Hey,


You sound like a typical first timer on the pill, worrying about pregnancy so much! I was just like you back when I first went on it, so here's my personal advice.

Don't worry, the pill is 99% failproof, and your chances of getting pregnant truly are tiny. But to be really safe, you should use condoms as well, as they make your chances of pregnancy pretty much non existant. They do work from the very first pack, I know that from personal experience! As a fifteen year old, worry and waiting for her period to show up.

Ahem.

Anyway, spotting is perfectly normal, it's just breakthrough bleeding and happens when your body is getting used to the pill. You should get your period during the non pill week, and it may not arrive for a few days into the non pill week, it's nothing to worry about.

In all, you sound safe and perfectly healthy.

Diana