Expert: Norman Solberg - 9/19/2009

Question
Hi,
I am 20 years old,I stopped my pills in July 09. My last period was in July 09.It is now the end of September which i haven't had a period for two months. Before i went on the pills i had a period every month.I have been having unprotected sex i took a  pregnancy test about three weeks ago,which was negative.I want to start the pill again but don't know when i should.i have had unprotected sex since the last test.I have heard it could take up to six months for a period after you have stopped the pill.Should i wait for my period or wait two weeks,take another test then start them?

Answer
I would wait 2 weeks, be sure you don't get pregnant, and then start the pill.  It takes 2 weeks from conception for a good pregnancy test to be positive.  So as long as your test is negative 2 weeks after you could have gotten pregnant, it's safe to start the pill.  Since you're starting in the middle of the month so to speak, it will be fairly common to get some bleeding the first month on the pill.  If it's too much, stop for 4 days and re-start a new pack.  You won't really be protected by the pill until you've been on it about 1 month, so use backup.  Best wishes.