Expert: Norman Solberg - 5/3/2011

Question
Hi,

I am really hoping you can help me. I am very inexperienced with birth control and I think I goofed. I started taking birth control a week after my period STOPPED, rather than after it started. My period stopped on Wednesday, April 27. I started the pill yesterday (Sunday) on May 1. Is this okay? Will it still be effective? I took BC for a month last summmer and had not taken them since. The pill is a generic version of Alesse.  

Thanks so much.

Answer
Since you started later in the month, you'll be more likely to have some breakthrough bleeding during the first pack.  It should take care of itself by the second pack.  You'll be protected after you've been on the pill for 7 days.  Lots of women start the pill during the month as you did.  It's OK.