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Will contraception taken from the third day be effective?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have started taking Novelon birth control pills from the third day of my period. Will this contraception be enough? This is the first time I am using the pills. Please advise.
Answered by Dr. Neha Rathod

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Neha Rathod is an obstetrician and gynecologist with expertise in women’s health across all life stages. She provides compassionate care in pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health, along with managing gynecological conditions. Her special interests include infertility management, lactation counseling, and sexual health, ensuring women receive holistic and supportive treatment tailored to their needs.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, this oral contraceptive pill is more than enough for contraception. Do not take any other medication as this will work as a contraceptive. You may or may not experience slight nausea, abdominal cramping, lightheadedness and headache, but these will eventually settle down. It is because of the hormone present in the pill. Most of the times it is very mild and goes unnoticeable. If you have symptoms and feel unbearable, then do consult your gynecologist.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Thank you for the prompt reply. When I visited my OB/GYN, I was told that the pills would be effective only if taken from the first day. I just wanted to confirm if they would be effective even if I took it from the third day.

Answered by Dr. Neha Rathod

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Neha Rathod is an obstetrician and gynecologist with expertise in women’s health across all life stages. She provides compassionate care in pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health, along with managing gynecological conditions. Her special interests include infertility management, lactation counseling, and sexual health, ensuring women receive holistic and supportive treatment tailored to their needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

We usually ask for the medication to be started from day 1 or 2 of the cycle for effectiveness. However, if you have started on day 3 also it is not going to make a significant difference. So, relax and do not worry. Just continue taking the medication and be careful that you do not miss the pill, as it may lead to breakthrough bleeding.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At October 1, 2016
Reviewed At April 25, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Neha Rathod is an obstetrician and gynecologist with expertise in women’s health across all life stages. She provides compassionate care in pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health, along with managing gynecological conditions. Her special interests include infertility management, lactation counseling, and sexual health, ensuring women receive holistic and supportive treatment tailored to their needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Companion

Contraception Pill Effectiveness Companion

How it works

Birth control pills are a common and effective method of contraception. Understanding how they work, when they become effective, and what to expect can help you use them correctly and confidently.

1

Combination
Pills

2

How
Pills Work

3

Pills
Become

4

Side
Effects

5

Missed
Pill

6

Key
Considerations

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.
Dr. Neha Rathod
Dr. Neha Rathod

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Neha Rathod is an obstetrician and gynecologist with expertise in women’s health across all life stages. She provides compassionate care in pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health, along with managing gynecological conditions. Her special interests include infertility management, lactation counseling, and sexual health, ensuring women receive holistic and supportive treatment tailored to their needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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