Expert: Diane Cheryl - 1/21/2012

Question
I have been on Sprintex birth control for over a year. I am a day one start and I should have started my new pills on monday, but I was on vacation and not able to pick up my next pack until today (fri) so I would be starting the pack 5 days late. I have not had sex since before my period (which ended on monday) so I should have no risk of pregnancy at the moment. However, will I still be protected if I start the new pack today (with a backup method of bc for 7 days) or should I use an alternate method of birth control for the entire month and start a new pack after my next period?

Answer
Kayla,

I hesitate to tell you about this because you probably should consult your doctor. However, you still have a risk of pregnancy, even if you had your period. There is always a small chance of pregnancy because no method of birth control is 100% safe in preventing pregnancy.
So if you have a chance, call your doctor or pill provider just to check on what is suggested.
You can email me at CHERYL51@aol.com if you want to talk more. Have you had any side effects from your birth control pills? Just wondering because I have had several questions about problems after taking hormonal birth control pills.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl