The Pill

[Headless Rat]

Is it really important that you start taking the pill on the first day of your period?Or would the third or fourth day be ok too?

[crete]

what is important is you follow the advice you have been given, and read the instruction provided with your medication

[teag1rl]

I cant remember and dont have any bumf to hand, but I thought the reason you were supposed to wait until first day of period before starting to take it was to make sure you're not already pregnant? Sit wouldnt matter if you took it a few days later. Dont take my word for it though- I'm sure someone will put me right!

[Headless Rat]

Im definitely not pregnant!!So can I just start taking it whenever I want? Thanks

[chazza]

i think its very important that you take it on the first day - accordign to GPs instructions. Its really not worth taking the risk for, wait until next month!

[teag1rl]

This info is re. Microgynon 30 combined pill and caomes from http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100001653 .html

When can I start taking it?

Ideally, you should start taking this pill on day one of your menstrual cycle (the first day of your period). This will protect you from pregnancy immediately and you won't need to use any additional methods of contraception. If necessary, you can also start taking it up to day five of your cycle without needing to use additional contraception when you start. However, if you have a short menstrual cycle (with your period coming every 23 days or less), starting as late as the fifth day of your cycle may not provide you with immediate contraceptive protection. You should talk to your doctor or nurse about this and whether you need to use an additional contraceptive method for the first seven days.

You can also start taking this pill at any other time in your cycle if your doctor is reasonably sure that you are not pregnant. However, if you start taking this pill at any other time in your cycle, you won't be protected from pregnancy straight away and you will need to use additional contraception, eg condoms (or not have sex) for the first seven days of pill taking.

If you have given birth and are not breastfeeding, you can start taking this pill on day 21 after the birth. You will be protected against pregnancy immediately and do not need to use extra contraception. If you start taking it later than 21 days after giving birth, you will need to use extra contraception for the first seven days.

If you are starting this pill immediately after a miscarriage or abortion at under 24 weeks, you will protected against pregnancy immediately. If you start taking it more than seven days after the miscarriage or abortion, you should use extra contraception for the first seven days of