Dr. Manwani Saloni Dilip
Obstetrics and Gynecology
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I recently went back on birth control a few days back, and instead of waiting for seven days before having sex, I waited only for four days. But we made sure to use protection, and I continued taking my birth control pills. I take tablet Vienva (Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol), a 28-day pack. Now I started the pills late in the month instead of the beginning of the month, and because of that, they do not align with my period, which is supposed to be next week. I still have this week left of combination pills, and next week I will start with my sugar pills, which are supposed to help me get my period. Are these combination pills possibly stopping my period from arriving this month? Should I be getting my period when I go on my sugar pills? Also, I am not on my period, but I have slight cramps, it is like my body knows I should be on my period, but I think the combination pills are not allowing it to do so. Is that possible?
Can you please help me with this?
Thank you.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Taking birth control pills will delay your periods, and that is how the pills work. The pills are supposed to be started from the second to the fifth day of the period. That way, the next period falls around the same time.
You did not mention what day you started taking the birth control pills with respect to your periods. The 28-day pack contains the last seven tablets as sugar pills, and you can get your periods while on these pills.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thanks for your response.
I started taking the pill three weeks back since I do not have to wait for my periods. Also, in my case, my period was no way nearer. I was supposed to get my periods last week, and I am still on my combination pills, and I assume they are delaying my periods. I think I will be getting my periods in the first week of next month once I start with sugar pills, which means I will miss this month's period. How can I restore my period to normal?
Thank you.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Generally, birth control pills are started only after the periods so that there is no change in the period dates. So that is why I was asking for the day of starting the pills with respect to your period cycle.
It is alright if you do not get your periods this month as the pills are causing anovulation. However, I recommend starting the pills on a fixed day after your periods to regularize your cycles. Then, you can calculate the start date of your next cycle. For example, if you start the tablets on day 3 of your period, you will get your periods in approx 25-28 days after that. But, if you delay this to day 14 of your periods, that would mean 14 + 28 days. Hence your period would get delayed.
So if you plan to continue using birth control pills for a few months, I would recommend starting it early after your periods as that gives maximum efficacy and regularizes your cycles.
Thank you.
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Obstetrics and Gynecology
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