Is It Ok to Have Unprotected Sex Now?
I started my birth control last month and i just finished my period. Im on my 2nd pack for birth control. Is it okay to have unprotected sex now? Or do i have to wait another week?
Practicing safe sex is a very important aspect of our sexual health. Just like consent, protection is important. The birth control pill is not 100% effective preventing pregnancy nor does it protect you from potential sexually transmitted infections. It is always recommended that couples use a condom even when taking the birth control pill.
Depending on the type of birth control pill you take will determine at what point it becomes 99% effective in your body (provided it is used correctly as directed by your trusted physician). Combination pills (estrogen and progestin) range from taking them right away to up to 7 days and if it is solely a progestin tablet it usually takes up to 2 days to become effective in your body. (Are Birth Control Pills Effective? | Do Birth Control Pills Work? (plannedparenthood.org))
There are many factors that can reduce the effectiveness of your birth control pill. Certain health conditions, being on other medications (for instance, if you are taking antibiotics that will make your birth control pill less effective during a course of antibiotics) and not taking the pill correctly as prescribed by your trusted physician can impact the effectiveness of your birth control method.
If you need help finding a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist.
