Expert: Brigid Kowalczyk - 1/26/2006

Question
My wife has just stopped taking the bc pill,  we have decided to try natural bc for a while.  She just stopped the pill at the end of the last package.  Jan 22nd would habe been the start of the new package if she started.  We had unprotected sex on the 24th.  Im I correct that she should not ovulate for aprox. 14 days after the 22nd?  Or would stopping the pill mess up her timing.  If she got pregnat it would be ok but we would prefer to wait six months or so if possible.  Please advise if we can start the rythem method right away after stopping the pill.
Thanks.  

Answer
I don't have enough information.  Is the 22nd the day her period started?  If that is the case, you are right and she wouldn't ovulate for about 2 weeks and sex on the 24th would be during a safe time.  

Her cycles could be messed up from coming off the pill.  She may not get a regular pattern for 2-5 months while her body starts to normalize her natural hormone levels.

It would be good if you got some instruction through a class or reading a book about natural family planning.  There are some tricks and things you can learn so you use the method effectively.

Congratulations on doing the right thing and supporting your wife and her health.