Answers to Sexual Health Questions - Pregnancy and Birth Control

This site is primarily for the Rutgers University family. Teens with questions about sex, submit your questions to: Ask the experts.

(see links to other sites with information on sexual health)

Information about Emergency Contraception

NOTE: Many readers have questions about when they are fertile and when it's possible to get pregnant.  If your question isn't already listed below, see if it is answered when visiting Ways to Chart Your Fertility Pattern or when visiting: Go Ask Alice!: Fertile times?

For information on Effects of Zoloft and other drugs, including pot, on the efficacy of birth control pills   

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Ask the Staff is moderated by Edward Lifshitz, M.D., Director of Busch-Livingston Health Center

My boyfriend is 23 years old.  I am curious to know if at his age it is possible to have ED?  It takes him ages to ejaculate.

How does the "reminder" pill work to keep you protected? If I took 2 days of reminder pills before my period started and I had sex with no condom, how am I still protected?

Hi.I am getting my wisdom teeth out and they said they give you an antibotic after ward. I am on nordette birth control. How long do you have to use a back up method while and after taking the antibotic. Thanks

I'am bulimic,and i take birth control pills everyday,how long does it take for the body to absorb the pill?And does this mean that I vomited the pill too and i wont be protected?

A naturopath has suggested I take flaxseed oil, reparen & sarsaparilla. I am on the pill (Triphasil 28) and wondered if these herbal remedies will interfere with the pill?

I have taken Ortho tri cyclen for 2 years... I recently called the doctors office to get a new script. I went to the pharmacy to pick it up, it was for Tri nessa. I have since tried to find out about tri nessa on line and have found very little. What do you know about tri nessa? I have been told there is not alot of difference between brand and generic?

I started taking Ortho Tricyclen Lo in September. Last month, I left for vacation while I was on my period, and forgot to take my new pack of pills with me. Because of this, I didn't take any pills for the month of March, and now I started my period yesteday (Friday). I was wondering if I can start my new pack of pills tomorrow (Sunday)? (when I originally started taking the pills, they told me to start on the first Sunday of my period, which would be tomorrow, so is that right?)

Are Pregnancy test taken at Rutgers health centers confidential? and how long does it take to get the results?

When using spermicidical lubricants during sex, can you use more than one? I was wondering if I use inserts (ensure) that dissolve in combination with vaginal contraceptive films, that also dissolve, if that will also be more effective. Or, will mixing the two cancel one out? I want the greatest strength without using a female/ or male condom.

Does smoking cigarettes decrease the effectivness of birth control pills?

I am on Orthotricyclen. This month, when I started my pills, I started with "Week 2", or the light blue pills rather than the white ones I should have started with. I took all of the light blue pills and all of the dark blue pills before realizing. What are the chances of me getting pregnant by taking the pills out of order?

I have recently switched birth control brands from Alesse to Ortho Novum 1/35. How long do I have to wait to have unprotected sex again? Do I need to wait at all? I take it very regularly and am with the same partner (no STD's).

I am on the Ortho Evra patch. If I become pregnant, what are the chances of having effects on the baby if i am still on the patch? Also, if i change my patch a day or two late, what are my chances of becoming pregnant if i have unprotected sex during normal ovulation?

I am considering having sex with my boyfriend of two years. We are both virgins and there is absolutely no threat of STIs. Being that both of my parents are extremely conservative, I dont think that any form of prescription birth control is going to be an option. I was thinking that sex with a condom and spermicide would be my best option. I would like to use a type of spermicide that I put on my boyfriends penis rather than inside of me. Are there any specific brands that you know of that Hurtado may carry?..Also how much would that cost?..Is that a reliable form of birth control? I dont really want to take any chances, so if not, then I will wait. I would really appreciate a response. Thank you. (days 1-4) I had unprotected sex on saturday after taking three days worth of pills. How likely is it that I could be pregnant and what is the earliest I would be able to take a pregnancy test?

I have been on ortho-cyclen for about 4 years. I missed about 4 days due to the pharmacy not being able to refill my precription. (days 1-4) I had unprotected sex on saturday after taking three days worth of pills. How likely is it that I could be pregnant and what is the earliest I would be able to take a pregnancy test?

dear health angels, Im currently taking avaine(birth control) and my boyfriend is planning to come up and see me and i have not seen him for 2 months. Im due to get my period when he comes up I wanted to know if there was a way to postpone my period. I heard that if you take the 3 weeks of hormone pills then skip the week of reminder pills and then just go and start a new pack of pills you will skip your period. Is that true? Is it safe to do that? and does it effect the effectivness of the pill? Thanks.

what are the risks associated with birth control pills and women who have a history of breast cancer? (ie- my mother is a survivor of breast cancer, and many other family members have been diagnosed with some form of cancer) My boyfriend and I always use condoms, but I would also like to be on birth control (just in case!) but I have heard that the birth control pill (even low-dose ones) can increase your risk of breast cancer if you already have a history of it. Is there an increased risk of breast cancer with birth control pills? Is that risk inherent with all birth control pills, or do some exist without that risk? Is the pill worth the risk?

I am currently taking Ortho-Tricyclen and when it's time to take the green pills (sugar pills) I usually don't take them and turn my dialpak each day so I'll know when to start a new pack. I was wanting to know if this will affect my chances of getting pregnant?

I have a serious sweating problem and i was wondering if my birth control (ortho-tri-cyclen) has any effect on that. I do not have b.o. and ive tried every deoderant out there, but still continue to sweat through this. my roommate takes the same birth control and has the same problem. Is it because our birth control? If so, what do you reccommend

I have been on Ortho Tryicyclen for 4 years and have recently come off of it to give my body a rest from the pill. I have been off the pill for 3 months and have not had my period. Is this common?

My boyfriend and I have been sexually active for only a short while. We always use a condom, however I am not taking any form of oral contraception. Just 4 days ago, after we had finished and he pulled out, we realized that the condom was stuck inside me. I pulled it out as soon as possible and the cum was still inside. Still, I'm nervous. Additionally, there was a bit of spotting a few days later (my period is not due till the end of the week) which I know can be a sign of implantation. How likely is it that I am pregnant, and will a pregnancy test be useful this soon afterward?

What are the affects of expired/old birth control pills?

My girlfriend missed her first day of her pill, so she took two the next day around 430pm. around 200am she said she woke up and vomited an exceeding amount. Is it common to get sick from taking two pills at the same time? Does that mean that she vomited out the pill and she is no longer protected? Should we not have sex for awhile?

I have been on orth-cycline for almost a year, and I just missed the first two "active pills" of a new pack. My boyfriend and I had sex on both of the days with no protection. Is there a HIGH POSSIBILITY that I could be pregnant?

How long after having sex do you have to wait to take a pregnancy test?

My girlfriend has been on the pill since july 30th. we do not have sex but we do play around and on one occassion my penis has been considerabling close to her vagina, but nowhere close to penetration. she started her sugar pills on sunday, but she still hasnt gotten a period. is anything wrong?

My last period started on August 26th. I lost my virginity to my boyfriend on September 1st around 2 a.m. Then we had sex again around 9 a.m. Both times we were unprotected, but he pulled out before he ejaculated both times. I went on September 2nd and got the morning after pill and took it around 3:45 p.m. I was wondering what are the chances of me being pregnant even though he pulled out and I took the morning after pill? The second time I had sex I started to bleed and I was really sore both times. Is that normal to bleed during sex and to be sore the first time you have sex?

What is the difference between ortho cyclen and ortho tricyclen? My doctor gave me ortho cyclen, but all of my friends take tricyclen. Is one better than the other?

My girlfriend has been looking into being put on birth control but i have one problem. Apparently i've heard around from people that smoking marijuana decreases the effect of birth control. Is this true?

I left condoms out in my car and then used them. They were in the cold for about 2 months and were below freezing most of the time with a couple of rises in temperature to about 65 degrees. They were back to room temperature when I opened them, but there were tiny crystals on the outside (most likely frozen lubricant). After using them I saw no breaks and even emptied the condom and poured water in it and found no leaks. How likely is pregnancy? Much more than a condom kept at room temperature for the two months?

My girlfriend is in her second week of taking the pill. Is it safe to go ahead and have intercourse without a condom?

I'm 20 years old, and in the month of February I had sex, drunk with three men. I used I condom (once during those times. I had my last period Jan 26. The dates I had sex were Feb 14, 17, & 19. What are the chances of pregnancy? I realize I made a huge mistake now I'm very concerned.

My boyfriend and I had dry sex. I'm just wondering can I get pregnant if we were having dry sex? 

I recently had an abortion. Even though they instructed me to not have intercourse for 2 weeks (for infection reasons) I did a week later. I had been on Ortho-trycyclene for a week (had finished the white pills) at the time. But I was also on antibiotics (with a warning label that they MAY reduce the effectiveness of my birth control) There was penetration before the condom was put on. And I know you are really fertile after any type of pregnancy. Should I be worried about pregnancy, if so how long should I wait before I take a home pregnancy test (since it can stay positive for a few weeks after the abortion).

Since I really don't want to go through my mother's insurance, I was wondering if I could go to the clinic on Rutgers campus and be able to get a check up by a gynecologist and if I could get a prescription for birth control. If that's possible how much will it cost. I am a full time student, but I do not have additional insurance so I would really like to know the cost.

Is it possible to never have precum? I am 21 and throughout my life of masturbating and sexual activity I have never seen anything come out, or felt anything. The other day some girl and I made out and my penis touched her vagina when we made out, but then we stopped. I never really penetrated and since I never or seem to never precum how likely is it she may have gotten pregnant?

Is there a lubricant out there that is also a spermicide? I have found many that include spermicides, but have warnings saying that they are not spermicides.

How soon after sex can you take a home pregnancy test to see if your partner is pregnant?

My boyfriend's condom broke and he came inside but only a little bit for like a second. I should get my period in like a week or two what should I do?

My boyfriend and I were having dry sex. It then went to where we were both in our underwear. I was on top rubbing against him and he eventually ejaculated. I felt the semen on my leg. I missed my pill for that day so is there a chance that pregnancy is possible?

I have a very irregular period.. it can sometimes take up to 6 months in between. About 3 weeks ago I went to the doctor about it and she gave me birth control pills but told me not to take them until my next period. My last was in November. About two weeks ago I got the flu for 2 days. A few days after I started bleeding and I thought it was my period but it was way too light. So I was confused. I got the flu again for 5 days about a week after. I thought to myself of shit maybe I'm pregnant. I didn't know how, my bf and I use condoms, and he's only dipped it in me before without one. so to be safe I got an E.P.T. test and took it in the evening, it was negative. Then my friend told me you are supposed to take them in the morning so I freaked out and I looked it up on the internet and everywhere I checked said you didn't have to use that particular brand in the morning. I went to a different doctor and he told me something about flushing out your system by taking a lot of birth control pills at a time. So I did that, I took a pack within 4 days time. I still haven't gotten my period and I am really scared that I am pregnant. I am only 17 and my parents are devout Catholics with anti-abortion feelings. Do you think I could be pregnant?

I had sex with my fiancie three days prior to the end of my period. I do not usually bleed if we have sex and I am near the end of my period. We used a condom, but it broke, and there was definitely sperm present inside. Panicked, I called my local health clinic, but a nurse informed me that the "morning after pill" would be unnecessary in my case, as I was menstruating at the time of intercourse. Bleeding did indeed resume shortly after our sexual contact. My period is quite irregular. What are the chances that I am pregnant?

I have frequent yeast infections.  Lately I don't have insurance to go to a doctor and I use OTC drugs like Monistat.  Sometimes I leave it unattended.  My husband and I are trying to have a child without going to the doctor, but we have been trying for about 6 months and I am not pregnant yet!  I was wondering could a yeast infection affect my chances of getting pregnant?  If not, what are some instances?  I also can tell you that I am not regular with my cycle.  For example, on Oct. 29 my cycle started and went off on Nov. 3, and on Nov. 25 it came on again and went off on Nov. 30.  How can I pinpoint when I am fertile?

I am a 17 year old female, with regular periods.  My boyfriend and I have been having unprotected sex for about 2 months with him ejaculating inside of me.  I am still not pregnant. Do you think there is something wrong with me? We both want me to get pregnant, but how long do you think it will take?

My girlfriend and I have begun to have sex and I think we had it a few times during her "fertile" period. I have pulled out every time and she has been on the pill for three years. We have not used a condom. She took two pills the day we had sex (awhile afterwards) during what I believe is her "fertile" period. Are the chances she is pregnant high or low?

I just had unprotected sex with my partner who is on her period. My question is, what are the chances or probability of her getting pregnant even though I pulled out and there was a little blood on my penis when I pulled out?

I just had anal sex for the first time. I've never had vaginal sex. My partner may have prematurely cummed inside me, but I don't think so. He did however pull out before he did cum, and did so on my back. I immediately turned over to wipe the cum off so that it didn't drip into my vaginal area. I'm fairly sure that none entered that area, but accidents happen. How likely is it that I could get pregnant?

My fiancie and I are both virgins. We occasionally have "dry sex". This one particular time however, I took my pants off, and was rubbing on just her underwear. Neither one of us had an orgasm, but before I put my pants on, we rubbed skin to skin. I may have had some pre cum on me, but I did not penetrate her. Assuming the worst elements possible, like a broken cherry from her tampon, stuff like that, could she be pregnant? Her cycle date is every 28 days. This all happened within 3-4 days of her period. Now, she is late 9 days. Is she pregnant, or just late because she is stressed with upcoming finals, and overwhelmed with her recent engagement, and planning her wedding? Thank you, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Is it likely to get pregnant after 20 days of an abortion? If yes, can I do one more abortion? If yes how long will I have to wait?

I am a 34 year old (virgin) and I fear that my time is running out for safely having children naturally. I don't really want to conceive of my first child once I am 36. How dangerous is it to fall pregnant from 35 onwards and what are the increased risks? I love my boyfriend but he does not see the urgency for us to marry and start a family and I don't want to impose on him too much.

My girlfriend and I were having unprotected sex, and I know in myself that I did not ejaculate but when I came out of her there is all this sperm on my penis. Did I get her pregnant?  If so, what measures can I take at this stage if she does not want to be?

I have recently had unprotected sex with my girlfriend.. I am worried that she may fall pregnant as i ejaculated in her. She has just gone on the pill. If she gets her period does that mean that i do not have to worry about her being pregnant?

I was wondering if a women goes to the bathroom after sex if it reduces her chances of getting pregnant?

What are the chances of getting pregnant when using a double-dose of KY with nonoxyl-9 inserted into the vagina and the male pulling out just prior to ejaculation?

My girlfriend and I have been having sex for a while now. She has been on the pill for about 10 months, and is pretty good about remembering it. 2 weeks into her cycle she went away for the weekend, and forgot to take it for about 2 1/2 days. When she got back she took 3 that night, and then went on with her regular schedule. 6 days later after being on her regular schedule again, we had sex, with a spermicidal condom. My concern though is that the condom rolled up about an inch from the bottom, and cum leaked out. The fact that it was in the spermicidal condom first, did that kill all the cum? Also I am concerned that after I came and it was on the base of my penis, we still penetrated a couple times. Could that have gotten into her or would it of definitely been all dead after the contact with the spermicide and the air? I am also concerned because of her process of taking the pills? Was her method ok? Or was that dangerous? We are now on the 2nd green pill and waiting for her period. I am worried, and want to know if there are any beginning symptoms, or if there are any things to look for on her body (e.g. tender breasts, dark nipples, bad pains)?

Last month, I had unprotected sex 10 days into my menstrual cycle. I took the Emergency Contraception Pill that same day, even though he did ejaculate in me. The next I got my period again. Is that normal? And now, I'm scared because I feel like I'm gaining more weight. Is there still a possibility of getting pregnant?

My girlfriend was giving me a blowjob and she swallowed.  Then we were going to have sex about 5 min. after she gave me the blowjob to make it last longer.  We used a condom but we were about to put it on and realized it was about to go on the wrong way (it touched my penis).  Then we turned it around and put it on the right way and then had our safe protected sex.  I also withdrew my penis before cumming.  She has been late 5 days now is she pregnant?

My boyfriend put his penis a LITTLE LITTLE bit into my vagina and did NOT cum but some pre-ejaculate fluid probably went in it/on it...I haven't gotten my period but I am not even sure when my last one was so I can't count! Could I be pregnant?

Me and my girlfriend were having a little bit of dry sex. I had on a thin pair of cotton shorts and she had on thin pair of cotton pants and cotton underwear. I ejaculated but lifted her up (she was on top of me while we were doing this) when I did, but then let her back down a couple seconds after and we rubbed about twice more. Today is October 29 and her next period should be on Nov. 17. Is there a chance that she could've gotten pregnant from that?

I'm 16 years old with a huge problem. My boyfriend and I had unprotected sex and he "accidentally" came in me , I felt it all come out though , but to keep it safe I peed and then washed . This happened about 3 weeks before my period is due. Are there any chances since it all came out?

What is the life span of sperm in water?  Could I become pregnant if my boyfriend ejaculated while we were both lying naked in the bathtub?  There was no penetration at all, but I am afraid that because we were lying so close, that some sperm could have got inside me if it was in the water.  What are the chances of pregnancy in this situation?

My girlfriend just got off of her period about one or two days ago. We were having sex and I came inside of her. I used a condom, but it tore and didn't know. Is there a chance of her being pregnant?

I might be pregnant and am on the pill. Is it dangerous to keep taking the pill until I take a pregnancy test? Can birth control pills cause a miscarriage?

When is it safe to ejaculate in a woman without getting her pregnant?

Could a woman who is only partially bulimic - i.e. vomiting about once a day, four days a week for about two years - have problems becoming pregnant?

Hello, me and my girlfriend are still virgin's. We do make out and I do get aroused. We have so called "dry sex" it's like sex but with clothes on and no nudeness what so ever. There have been no occasions when i have penetrated her (other than with my jeans on), yet i have ejaculated (inside my pants) sometime when we make out I do take off my pants but leave my boxers on, i have never ejaculated on her but we both fear that there might be some chance of getting her pregnant. I heard that when a girl has an orgasm she can get pregnant more easily even if the penis does not penetrate??

My boyfriend and I were getting intimate, and he rubbed the head of his penis against my vagina. I felt no pre-cum, then we decided to proceed with sex (with a condom). Could I be pregnant? I was like 5 days away from my period, and I am afraid that he may have pushed whatever cum if any up further in me! It has been 2 days since we had sex, and I tried some herbal abortion remedies from online, like vitamin C tablets in your vagina, and I am having some nausea, like I feel like I am going to puke, is this morning sickness? Please help I don't want to go to my parents they will be very upset!

Hi, me and my girlfriend just had sex for the second time, I used a condom that his been in my wallet for about 2 and a half months. And As we were having sex I ejaculated just like normal then pulled out and realized the tip of the condom broke.. We looked on a calendar and estimated that she was about to start her period again in 6 days. What I was wondering is, what are the chances of her actually getting pregnant... I hate to say this, but I'm a marijuana smoker, and I have heard that by me smoking marijuana that would reduce the risk of pregnancy from a low sperm count? Thanks for your help....

How long does it take for a miscarriage to happen after conception has occurred? Also, how would you know if you are infertile, and do the risks of becoming pregnant lower if you've had any type of STD's?

If a person is on the pill, is it safe for her partner to ejaculate in her. Can she still become pregnant?

What are the chances of getting pregnant after having unprotected sex 3 days after menstruation?

If a condom breaks as the penis is being withdrawn during ejaculation, what are the chances of becoming pregnant if it occurs on the 10th day after the onset of the menstrual cycle?

If a girl has unprotected sex but has her period the next day can she get pregnant?

How effective against pregnancy are using a condom with nonoxyl 9 and also one of those dissolvable inserts, for women such as Contreceptol at the same time while having sex?  In other words, what are the possibilities of pregnancy when using these two methods of contraception simultaneously?

I've heard a rumor that sperm die when they hit the air. Is this true? If it isn't, is it possible for a girl to get pregnant if she lays on top of me wearing nothing and all I'm wearing is underwear when I ejaculate?

If me and my girlfriend had sex but I pulled out before I came what are the chances that she is pregnant? I am really worried. How long would we have to wait to find out if she was. Could we tell by taking a test right away.

I would like to know when the exact times of the month I can get pregnant is? When times of the month can I have sex without using a condom and not risk pregnancy. I know there is a risk at all times of the month, but what is that risk? When am I most likely to get pregnant? How many days before and after my period?

Is it possible to get pregnant when you and your mate are making out on top of each other and you have cloths of (boxers or pajamas) and the male has not have an erection?

What are the chances (statistics) of a girl getting pregnant if they use the "withdrawal method"? Have there been any cases reported?"

Can my girl friend become pregnant if we have sex without birth control during her period?

If I had sex with a girl 5 days before her period, what are the chances of her becoming pregnant?

My girlfriend is taking orthotrycyclene. I have recently become concerned with its effectiveness because I heard that certain prescription/illicit drugs can cause it to fail. My girlfriend is currently taking a couple different prescription drugs, and from time to time certain street drugs as well. She insists that its nothing to worry about and does not want to use any form of backup contraception. I was wondering if you could tell me what prescription/illicit drugs have the most effect on the pill, or where Could find out this information. I don't have the names of any of the medications right now, but I should be able to find them out if necessary.

I realize that the Q&A page says that the pill is not an abortifacient. However, I have found other web sites saying that it is. I was wondering what basis you are making to say that the pill does not induce an abortion. I am having a moral dilemma whether to start the pack of pills prescribed to me. If you could just explain to me what the difference between abortifacients and the pill.

I am taking Accutane which causes severe birth defects if the mother is taking the medication during pregnancy. My girlfriend recently became pregnant and we are concerned about the traces of Accutane in my semen affecting the fetus. What are the risks involved?

I had an IUD fitted 1.5 yrs ago and since then have not had a regular period, sometimes every 32 days but mostly nearly every 2 months, with continuous spotting. I have been to see the doctor but was told that this was due to an erosion in my womb ( spotted at my last smear). I was on the pill until I had the IUD fitted, but could not lose weight due to pregnancy, but find I am still bloated and having problems losing weight, and suffering severe PMS. Any advice?

I have not had a period for 4 consecutive months , while taking Loestrin FE 1.5/30. I've taken pregnancy tests which have been negative. Is this normal? I've always had a light flow , even before taking birth control pills. I've been on the pill for approx. 17 months. Please respond. I think I should quit taking them. Any suggestions?

I was wondering about the morning after-pill, what are the side effects, how much does it cost? Where can I get it if god forbid I need it?

Hi, I'm on the birth control pill, ortho-cyclen. I'm almost done with the first month of it and I was wondering how long after I start the second pack will it start working. My boyfriend and I don't want to use condoms anymore (we're both been checked within the last month for STDs) and I don't want to get pregnant.

I am using the birth control pill, ortho tri-cyclen. I have an appointment with a gynecologist on Wednesday, but I am ready to start the green pills on Sunday which means I should have my period sometime next week. I was wondering how I can go about using the pill in order to delay my period just until my gynecologist visit is done. i.e., after my last blue pill from this month, can I start taking the white pills from a new pack for a week and then continue with the green pills again so I get my period the week after my visit?

Could you please tell me the possible side effects of switching from Loestrin 1/20 to Triphasil (28 day)? I've been gaining weight and my hormones seem really out of wack. My face has been breaking out and it never used to. Could this be as a result of going from a low dose pill to a higher one? Please help!!!!!

I'm on the depo shot and I've been sexually active not using a condom with my boyfriend for 3 years. Could I get pregnant on the shot?

How does the birth control pill (specifically Triphasil-28) work? I know if taken correctly, the pill is meant to prevent pregnancy, but is the pill also abortifacient when taken normally?

I'd only been taking Birth Control Pills for 3 days when I had sex. He ejaculated inside of me. This happened 7 days after the first day of my period. Is there a STRONG chance that I could become pregnant?

My girlfriend was on orthocyclen till her last period a month ago. We had unprotected sex twice within the first 2 weeks after her cycle. She was regular when she was on the pill, however she was not regular before the pill and I was wondering if her being late could just be her irregularity kicking back in or if we should wait until she is 2 weeks late get tested. Thank you in advance for any information you can give me.

I'm pregnant again for the 4th time (not out of carelessness, but a result of an ongoing problematic situation).  I have surgically aborted the last 3.  It's sick to say, but I was pretty comfortable with the last one (since I was familiar with the facility and procedure).  From what I've read, it seems that both procedures have their advantages and disadvantages.  I do not intend on keeping this one, but I am considering the alternative to surgical abortion, RU486.  I have been reading up on the basic facts and opinion on it, but I would like to find info on actual testimonies from women who have used it, and testimonies that can compare the surgery and the pill.  Will my Rutgers insurance help with the cost of the process if I choose to go through with it?  I read that Rutgers will help women find facilities that offer RU486.

I am on the Pill and have been for 10 months and never missed a period or had any irregular periods since being on the pill. I took the last of my pill on Thursday and started the sugar tablets on Friday I usually get my period on Sunday or Monday however it is that light that I would say that I have not got them as yet. Could I be pregnant or does this happen sometimes? I have not missed any pills and I have not been sick.

I have just started taking ortho tri-cyclen 18 days ago for the first time. Today my boyfriend ejaculated in me for the first time without a condom. Do I need to have taken the pill for a month for it to start working or is it already working? So, is all the sperm inside of me dead? 

I recently began taking birth control pills (this is my first month). I'm currently on my third week of active pills, and have been bleeding lightly for the past two days. Is this my period? If so, why is it coming NOW and not during my inactive pills? Does this mean that my pills are not working?

If I begin to take Triphasil-28 about a week and a half before I usually get my period, will the pills still be effective? Will I still get my period at the regular time?

Is it possible to just take regular birth control pills for the morning after pill? Can you just take Orthocylen 1 pill and 1 pill 12 hours later?

Does Triphasil-28 suppress ovulation but make your body think you ovulate and so you have your period? Also, I was told by my doctor that the 7 pills I take during my period are dummy, or sugar pills, will they cause me to release an egg and ovulate? A condom is a birth control method that my boyfriend and I will use with the pills.

I started taking my ortho tri-cyclen pills on Sunday, October 7th this year. I got my period on October 31st. My boyfriend and I had sex on November 4th while I was on my last green pill. What are the chances that I am pregnant?

How long should I be off birth control, before concerns arise about getting pregnant? I am 26 years old with normal periods.

I have been on OrthoCyclen for 4 months now, and I understand that it is necessary to take the Pill approximately the same time every day. Is the effectiveness detrimentally affected if the Pill is taken, say, 2 hours after the usual time? Is a greater risk of pregnancy present if unprotected sex is had on the day of the last blue pill? 

I currently take Ortho-Cyclen and I am a frequent smoker of marijuana...is this just as risky as smoking cigarettes? Would my risk be decreased if I were to get on a lower hormone pill?? 

I have been on Triphasil 28 for 17 years. I have decided I want to go off of it. I just turned 34 and decided I do not need to be on the pill any longer. Do I just finish this pack (currently have my period) and not start again? What side effects will I experience? 

How long does one have to be on Ortho-cyclen before it is in effect, and sex can be had safely without a condom?

I am currently on Orthocyclin and I am on antibiotics. Does this effect the performance of the birth control?

I am an 18 year old virgin and my boyfriend and I are thinking of having sex for the first time. I am planning on going on the depo shot but have heard some horrific rumors about it. Could you tell me what your opinion on it is and what kind of exams I will have to have before taking the shot. I still haven't been in for a PAP yet. So I would just like to know what I am in for. Thanks.

When I was an adolescent I had serious acne, irregular periods, and excess hair growth. I was put on dexamethasone for a few years. My doctor at the time wanted to put me on birth control. I have been off of it for about 5 or 6 years now. Over time my periods have been more regular, but I still have some facial hair. My acne has really cleared up, too. I was just wondering if the birth control pill ortho tri-cyclen is right for me?

If my girlfriend is on the pill and just recently got over her period (3 days) and we had sex without a condom, can she be pregnant?

I have a question I am on the pill and sexually active. My period did not come on schedule this month. Its five days late. I took a pregnancy test and it was negative. Should I still start my new pills this Sunday even though my period didn't come? Is there a chance I am pregnant and should therefore not start the pill?

I am interested in taking birth control (the pill) and I was wondering if you could fill me in on this process. Is there a certain health center I have to go to? Is there a physical examination? Will this show up on my parents' insurance? Please fill me in on the details.

I noticed that someone asked if Orthocyclen can be used as a "morning after pill." Can taking the birth control as you said (4 pills, 12 hours apart) cause you to have a miscarriage even when not taken within 72 hrs of having sex?

My Depo shot was due Feb. 21; I got my shot on Feb. 19. I've been told that Depo is effective within 24 hours; but I've never truly trusted that statistic. Anyhow, about 36 hours after my shot, my boyfriend and I had unprotected sex in which he came inside me. I was wondering if Depo was "in effect" at that time. Also, when I am given the due date for the shot; does that mean that it will begin to lose it's effectiveness about that day?

I have just finished my first pack of birth control after switching brands, but I haven't gotten my period at all (this has happened a few times before I started taking birth control). I am sexually active and use condoms as a back up method. I know the chances that I am pregnant are very small- Do I still need to take a pregnancy test?

If you start a pack of birth control pills in between menstrual periods will they still be effective? if there's usually a 2-3 month gap between menstrual cycles and a pack of pills is started a month after the last one, would the next menstrual cycle be brought on "early" by the ending of the medicated birth control pills or will it still come in another 2 months as it normally would because the pack wasn't started at the beginning of a menstrual flow?

I have been on ortho-cyclen for more than a year now. I was wondering if I should be using another form of birth control when I am on the week of the green pills (my period week). I stop taking the blue pills on a Sat and I usually start my period on Tues, so can I get pregnant if I have unprotected sex on Sun or Mon?

I recently had to switch to a lower dose Birth Control (alesse) because of my blood pressure. I've now been on Alesse for 2 months. Is there any risk in switching birth control pills?

I am on the pill, and was wondering if its okay to have sex during the "reminder pills" or placebo pills. Am I still protected against pregnancy during this time?

I take Orthocyclen and just took the last placebo pill today which means my period should end tomorrow when I start over with the new pack. I did have sex tonight though. We used a condom, but it wasn't dry. We were in the bathtub when he put it on, but we had sex on the bed, not in the water. Does the condom initially being wet make it useless?

If you are taking birth control pills, can you postpone your period by continuing on into your next pack without taking the reminder pills? If so, are you still protected against getting pregnant?

Can you tell me how long does it take for the depo effect to wear off? especially the weight gain? Is it normal to have a withdrawal bleed the first month off depo and back on the pill? What is the safe storage temperature for the pill? Can it be too cold in the fridge?

Exactly how effective is the pill when used properly? If neither of us have an STD and she is on the pill, is it OK for us to have unprotected sex without spermicides, jelly, etc.

I am on Triphasil 28, if I am on the third day of a new cycle and I have been on Trimoxicillin for 4 days, will it change the effectiveness of my pill? If so, and I have had unprotected sex in the past four days, what are the chances that I will get pregnant?

I started birthcontrol pills a few months ago. I went 3 months on ortho tri cyclen lo but it was not working for me. I was bleeding for 2 weeks each month so I switched to Desogen. The first month of desogen went great besides a little nausea. I had no spotting or break through bleeding. Now on the second month of desogen I am spotting. Should I consider switching to another brand again or should I hold it out for a few more months to see if my body gets used to it. Also is it still effective even thouhg its causing spotting? Thanks

I have been on Ovral 28 but just switched to nuvaring. Does the lower strength of hormone in nuvaring increase my risk of pregnancy?

I am on birth control pills, I just finish one package, and realise after that the expiry date was January 2004. We are in September, I am late in my period of a couple of day, should I worry?

I switched from the pill to the patch about 10 months ago because my insurance no longer covered the pill. I tried the generic form Tri Nessa and it still cost me $30 so I went to the patch wich costs only $10. Now my insurance covers Tri-Nessa. Is it ok to switch back to the pill, and will there be a lot of side effects? I really don't like the patch too much because its effectiveness goes down if you are over 198 lbs, and I am 225 right now. Will I have better protection with the pill than the patch? 

I am interested in taking the birth control pill. However, I was wondering if an full gynocological exam is necessary, or if filling out a family history form is all that is needed.

I have searched the web and cannot find an answer to my question. Please help me. What is the Shelf-Life of Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)?

Hi, Yesterday I stopped by Hurtado to buy "Plan B". I had never taken an EC pill so I was given directions to take both pills at once. Later, reading the "Plan B" package I noticed that it says for me to take the first pill ASAP and then take the second one 12 hrs later. Did I do it wrong? Will the pill work either way?