The birth control pills, patch and vaginal ring must be used for 7 consecutive days before the protection is effective. The Depo Provera injection and the Mirena IUD are effective after 24 hours.
If you are taking the birth control pills, and have been taking them correctly & consistently for one week, you should be protected. Continue taking your pills every day. As always, condoms are a good back up method to use with the pill.
Keep in mind that it can take 3-4 months for your body to become adjusted to being on the pill. You mayk experience some irregular spotting, and your periods may be a little earlier or later than usual. After the adjustment time, you should have regular monthly bleeding during the inactive (sugar) pills.
If you would need Plan B in the future, teens under 17 receive free services at Family Planning Plus clinics.
Family Planning Plus clinics offer gynecological exams, birth control, Plan B and pregnancy testing at little to no cost, depending on your household size & income. STD screenings are free for men & women of all ages. Please feel free to schedule an appointment at any of our clinic locations.
4. March 2012
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