Expert: Drea Jean H. - 4/7/2006

Question
I took the morning after pill and then started my birth control pack, but i started it 3 weeks before my period was due to start. it was about 3-4 days after it had already ended, are they still effective.  And do you have to take them at the exact same time everyday?

Answer
Hi. Thanks for the question.

For Birth Control to be effective, they must be followed according to directions. When you start your very first pack of pills, they must be taken on the Sunday after your period starts, or within 24 hours of your period starting. So, by taking them three weeks early, you may throw off your menstraul cycle, and you also may not have the full protection you need.

If you did this under the advice of a physician, then it would be best to check back with them, and see if everything is okay. For ultimitate protection, you should use a back up method for this month. If your period starts during the week of inactive pills, you will probably be covered for the next month. If not, you'll need to discuss the best thing to do with your Dr.

Also, birth control pills should be taken at the same time everyday. One reason is to help you form a habit, making it a little difficult to forget to take them. If you are late by a few hours in taking them once in a while, it wont matter, they will still work. But you should try to stay consistent with the time you take your pills.

Thanks, and Good Luck!

Drea Jean.