Birth control question.....? Please answer...?

Question

My little sister is sexually active. Well, she is starting birth control soon... and I've heard that when you start birth control you are very fertile the first 30 days of taking it. Is this true? Please help so I can let her know so she doesn't end up pregnant. Thanks so much.

Answer 1

No, that is not true.

I assume you are talking about the pill, but the same is true of other methods -- there is no method that increases fertility in the first month.

If she starts the pill on the first day of her period, or on the first Sunday after the beginning of her period, she will be protected after 7 days on the pill.

If she starts mid-cycle, the same is true, but if she already had unprotected s*x, it won't protect her from what already happened -- she would need Plan B for that.

Sometimes stopping the pill (or missing pills) can actually trigger ovulation.  She must use condoms if this happens.

(And really, she should use condoms anyway to protect herself from STDs).

She's lucky to have you looking out for her!

Answer 2

Once you begin birth control, you need to use a backup method (condoms, etc) for 2 weeks.  Once you've taken it properly for 2 weeks, you're covered as you're supposed to be.

There is always a slight chance of pregnancy no matter what method you use while having s*x.