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Birth Control/birth control pills and how soon they are effective

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Expert: Bob Kambic - 2/21/2007


Question
I just started taking birth control pills for the first time, and I am unsure when I am supposed to start taking them, and how soon they are effective in preventing pregnancy when I do. Can you please help me out, I'm taking Orthotrycyclin if that helps any. thanks.

Answer
Take the pills exactly as directed.

Read the package insert for directions. It's the paper with all the small print that comes with the pills.

After you start the pills, use a second method such as condom, foam, diaphragm for seven days. After seven days the pill is effective in preventing pregnancy as long as you take them exactly as directed.

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Bob Kambic

Expertise

Natural Family Planning, Periodic Abstinence, Rhythm, Catholic Church Method of Family Planning, Withdrawal, Condoms, Abstinence, Breast Feeding.

Experience

On the faculty of Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health for 22 years.

Publications
AJOBGYN, AJPH, Fertility and Sterility, Advances in Contraception, International Family Planning Perspectives, America, etc.

Education/Credentials
Duquesne University BA, University of Pittsburgh MSH, Johns Hopkins all but dissertation for PhD (ABD). Over 50 peer review articles on these topics, advisor to Planned Parenthood and to Vatican.

Past/Present Clients
Planned Parenthood, Family Planning Clinics, Womens' Reproductive Health Clinics, The Vatican, US Conference of Catholic Bishops, WHO, USAID, programs in Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, and the USA.

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