Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is It Safe To Take Contraceptive Pills Before Period? Any Side Effect?
Question: I have been out of contraceptive pills for about 2 years or so. My husband is coming home on Oct 26 from his work overseas. My nurse friend said I could start taking contraceptive pills anytime and not wait for the first day of my period. My period usually comes every 19th. I started taking gynera yesterday. My question : is it safe to start weeks before my period? Will there be side effects like spotting or bleeding? We are going on a trip, I want to skip menses.
Brief Answer:
Safer from day 1
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
Yes, its possible to start on oc pills any time in the cycle. However, you also need to use another form of protection like a condom/diaphragm, in the first 10 days of using the pills. If you start taking it from day 1 of your cycle, its much safer, and you don't need to use additional protection.
If your period comes on the 19th, you could have started from the day 1 of your cycle. Since you are already on combined pills, you cant take any other medication for delaying menses. But you can start your new pack directly after finishing the previous pack, without giving a gap of 7 days as is normal. Then finish the second pack as usual and give a gap of 7 days before the pack 3.
Regards,
Safer from day 1
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for your query.
Yes, its possible to start on oc pills any time in the cycle. However, you also need to use another form of protection like a condom/diaphragm, in the first 10 days of using the pills. If you start taking it from day 1 of your cycle, its much safer, and you don't need to use additional protection.
If your period comes on the 19th, you could have started from the day 1 of your cycle. Since you are already on combined pills, you cant take any other medication for delaying menses. But you can start your new pack directly after finishing the previous pack, without giving a gap of 7 days as is normal. Then finish the second pack as usual and give a gap of 7 days before the pack 3.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Since I just started taking BC Pills again, will there be any adverse reactions like spotting? What is breakthrough bleeding? How long does it last?
Brief Answer:
breakthrough bleeding detailed
Detailed Answer:
You may get some breakthrough bleeding (vaginal bleeding anytime in the menstrual cycle) if you started mid cycle. It occurs due to upset hormone levels. That will normalize after taking the pills for a few weeks. Then the spotting will also stop. Remember not to miss pills, then you may get breakthrough spotting again. Take them at the same time everyday.
Wish you good health.
breakthrough bleeding detailed
Detailed Answer:
You may get some breakthrough bleeding (vaginal bleeding anytime in the menstrual cycle) if you started mid cycle. It occurs due to upset hormone levels. That will normalize after taking the pills for a few weeks. Then the spotting will also stop. Remember not to miss pills, then you may get breakthrough spotting again. Take them at the same time everyday.
Wish you good health.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
