Birth Control Forum - When Is the Pill Effective?

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Q: When Is the Pill Effective?

asked by: pinky82 on August 7th, 2004

New User

Hi, I just started my first pack of alesse 21 pills and have taken about 14 pills so far. I am wondering if it is now safe to have sex without a condom because I read that the pills are effective after 7 days, since I started on the first sunday after my period started (my period started on the saturday before sunday).

I've read replies on this forum that it takes 3 months to be 98% effective, but what is the percentage of effectiveness after 7 days? I have never missed a pill and have taken them within 10 minutes of the hour each time so far.

If anyone knows the answer to this, please reply. Thanks!

Replies(1)

2ferano

replied on August 7th, 2004

Extremely eHealthy

It just depends. You can either go by what your doctor tells you or by what the pill that you are on says.
I listen to my doc who says it takes three months to be the full 99% effective. But others go by what the pill says, and some say after seven days.
But in all honesty if you do not want a baby you should always use condoms also. The pill is not 100% effective. You will get lots of people here saying,"well, I have had sex with just the pill for b/c for so many years and I am not pregnant" that is just wonderful and I am happy for those people, but people get pregnant on the pill everyday. It is not fullproof, so you need to use your better judgement. Good luck!

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