Expert: Norman Solberg - 10/3/2011

Question
I started taking Ocella the day my period started, and was told by the doctor at Student Health Services to use another form of contraception for a month to prevent pregnancy. However, the leaflet that came with the prescription said that I was fully protected after seven days of the pill. What is the right amount of time to wait before I can have sex without using other birth control?

Answer
As long as you start the day your period starts, you're protected by the pill right away.  Even starting at another time, you're protected after 7 days.  You can read further here http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/starting-pill-19264 from Planned Parenthood.  They are accurate about how to take the pill.