Plan B-Do I need it?

[heart-rachel.livejournal.com]

I finished my three month cycle of seasonale last sunday, the 7th. That was the end of my placebo week. I got my new birth control pack, Apri 28, today. I took two pills when I got it, and I took two tonight at my regular time. Between that time, I had sex, and the condom broke. Do I need to take EC?

Comments

[jennifer0246.livejournal.com]

Yes, you should seek EC.

You shouldn't have taken 2 pills those days - it didn't help you get protection sooner, and you won't be protected for the rest of this pack (because you need to take 21 days of pills, and your pack now has less than that).

Your protection was compromised when you extended your placebo week beyond 7 days; you would have needed backup protection until you had taken 7 active pills from a 21 pill pack. Because you now don't have a 21 pill pack, you will need backup until you have taken 7 pills from your next pack - i.e. for the next month or so.

[soda-raison.livejournal.com]

Because EC is most effective when taken as soon as possible. The best person to ask is a pharmacist or doctor that you can get EC from.

Hmm, no. She's protected once she takes 7 active pills, one a day for 7 days. The number of pills left in the pack won't matter. She will be protected mid-pack. When it does matter happens during her placebo week or her week off. She won't be protected then and won't be until she's taken 7 pills after that. If it weren't for a possibility of pregnancy, someone in this position could simply wait 7 days and then skip their next placebo week and be protected.

[jennifer0246.livejournal.com]

Yes, EC is most able to prevent ovulation taken sooner rather than later.

Pills need to be taken in amounts of 21 or greater. Less than 21 pills does not constitute protection.

[soda-raison.livejournal.com]

21 before safe break of 7 days or less. 7 pills = protection.

[heart-rachel.livejournal.com]

Ook, condescending much?

I was following the instructions for missing pills.

you would have needed backup protection until you had taken 7 active pills Yes, I realize that, thats why we were using a condom. But it broke, okay?

I won't be protected during my placebo week. Seven days of pills at the correct time equals protection. 21 days of pills at the correct time equals protection for seven days of not taking pills, ie the placebo week.

I was more asking what are my chances of ovulating in the next day or two, not your opinion on my birth control taking habits. I won't get pregnant from that unless I ovulate in the next 36 hours. I know I didn't/wasn't yesterday, I know when I am, I checked my cervical mucus and I'm not.

I appreciate the advice, but I could have gone without the insult.

[jasminelily.livejournal.com]

How was that insulting? She just gave you the advice that you asked for, and told you what you need to do. I think you're reading something into what she asked that is not there. And yes, as others have said, you should seek EC.

[goblinmouse.livejournal.com]

I think it's easier to not get offended when you're already stressed about something like this when people don't respond with lots of accusatory statements all beginning with "you" acting as if "you" did everything possible wrong. Even when it's not necessarily the case (many pill packs do tell you to take two when you have missed a day) Even if you believe that the OP messed up, it can't be undone, so advice and accusations aren't the same and don't serve the same purpose. Advice would tell her where to go from here. Also the respondent implied that the OP didn't use back up, and, well, she did.

(sorry to butt in, I don't come to this comm too often anymore. usually it's just too confrontational. it used to be more in the spirit of helping rather than berating, I felt...)

PS, to the OP I agree that you should seek EC. Broken condoms are exactly the kind of situation it's designed for. Because they do break. Sorry you were unlucky with that.

[heart-rachel.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[sismith42.livejournal.com]

For what it's worth (about 30sec of my time to type this), I agree with you: not all pills are the same, and it sounds like what you did is what you're supposed to have done. (the ones I'm on now (Cilest) consider it a "missed pill" if I'm late by more than 12 hours, but say I don't need a backup during my week of placebo. The previous brand (Ortho) called it a missed pill only after 24 hours).

But meanwhile, go ahead and call the pharmacy-- you may have ovulated during your placebo week or the day or two after.

[jennifer0246.livejournal.com]

I do apologize; I in no way meant to be insulting or condescending. You'll note that I responded at 8am - I'm not very eloquent at 8am. Again, apologies for whatever I said that indicated to you I was being less than friendly and helpful. Good luck with your situation.

[decemberfaerie.livejournal.com]

seasonale has 3 months of active pills that run continuously, so you don't need a back up throughout the entire pack, just the first 7 days.

[jennifer0246.livejournal.com]

righto, but she's not continuing the seasonale, she's changing over to apri. :)

[chitowndiva.livejournal.com]

Yes, you should get EC.

Since you didn't start a new pack right away and have yet to be on your new pack for seven days, you aren't protected right now.

Even if you think you aren't ovulating, I personally would get EC to be sure. You never know when your body will decide to go wonky.

Good luck! :)

[queensugar.livejournal.com]

I would also reccommend EC, just to be on the safe side. Because you extended your placebo week past the 7 days, protection is not guaranteed at this point, and if you want to be absolutely sure of avoiding pregnancy, EC would be a good way to go.