Birth Control Forum - Proper timing for taking birth control pills

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Q: Proper timing for taking birth control pills

asked by: DoctorQuestion on January 6th, 2009

I am leaving on a vacation to Mexico for seven days. Will be laying on beach, swimming, snorkeling and site-seeing. I have extremely heavy flowing periods. I would like to enjoy my vacation and would like to change my menstrual cycle if at all possible. I am due to start flowing around January 24, 2009 which is the day our flight leaves. I am not on any type of birth control pill because I had my tubes tied over 10 years ago. I had a family doctor write a prescription for Lo-Ovral, one pack of pills. When should I start taking these pills? He told me to start taking immediately, but that still puts my period to start on the Jan 26/27? Doesn't menstatration start when you start the green pills? Thank you in advance for all your help.

Replies(1)

Dr. Andrijana Shterjovska , MD

replied on January 6th, 2009

Birth Control Answer A5265

If you take the pills for 21 days and then stop for the next 7 days (or when taking the green pills in certain packs) the withdrawal bleeding should appear from day 24 till day 28. It can not be told for sure on which day exactly the period will start. The period might even be missed. Not taking the pills immediately as your doctor recommended might delay the period, but it will also delay the conception protection the pills provide. It usually takes at least 7 days to achieve the protection.

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