Expert: Norman Solberg - 9/15/2009

Question
I started my birth control, Lutera 28 day, about two weeks after I had my period.  I've been taking them every day at the same time for about 5 days now.  I'm not sure how long I have to wait to be protected from pregnancy since I didn't start on the day of my period or the sunday after my period.  Also, what will I do if I get my period before the 21 active pills run out?  Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer
It's usually recommended to start the pill during a period.  In that case, you're protected after being on the pill for 7 days, plus you're less likely to get breakthrough bleeding the first month.  Since you started in the middle of the month, you're not protected for the first month, plus you're more likely to get some bleeding before you finish the 21 active pills.  If you get some spotting, I would keep taking the pills one daily.  If the bleeding gets heavy, you could double up on the pills, using pills from another pack.  You're protected once you start the new pack.