Started up Birth Control but Didn't Use a Backup Method?

So you didn't start the pill when you were supposed to, and you didn't use a back up method.
Sounds like you WANT to be pregnant.
If that's the case stop taking the pill NOW, it could be harmful to the baby.

Well, the symptoms could be symptoms of the birth control itself. It's the pill, right?

I take it that you went back to the leaflet or asked someone else some questions once you started feeling these symptoms, and that is how you now know that you started the pills at the wrong time. If the doctor didn't discuss how to use it and you couldn't understand the leaflet, I don't blame you for being confused. The leaflets ARE complicated.

You need a new doctor if this is your current doctor's usual way of communicating with his or her patients.

If you aren't pregnant (crossing my fingers for you), then regroup and get a healthcare provider to really talk to you about how to use them properly. There are things you should know - like taking them every day at the same time (not willy-nilly). And if you are on antibiotics, use a back-up method because antibiotics take away some of their effectiveness. What to do if you forget a pill. That birth control pills can make you have more of an appetite (be careful, you can gain a lot of weight on the pill) and that it can cause headaches.

If you are pregnant, you need to start pregnancy vitamins right away for the folic acid to prevent spina bifida.

Good luck.

Sorry -- no magic answers. Could be -- wait a week and take a test. I understand the dollar store tests are very accurate and not at all expensive.

I wouldn't go with the "wait and see" approach. I would call your doctor and book an appointment. If you think you could be pregnant, you need to stop taking the pill, now.

Their is always a possibility if you do not use a back up method, and do not start the pill regularly after your cycle is finished.

If you are not pregnant, you need to talk to your doctor and discuss the pill and how it works. Education is important!

They can do a blood test to determine if you are pregnant.

If you didn't take them like you were supposed to, they may not be working. I don't know when you had sex so how can I say what your chances of being pregnant are? Even if I did know, I don't know your body or how fertile or non-fertile you are - none of us do. You are just going to have to wait it out.

You could be.

But your symptoms could also be due to the hormonal changes from the birth control pills.

I would call your doctor. Ask what they recommend (if you should stop taking it or not). You probably need a pregnancy test.

ETA: You do not have to stop taking the pill. It even states on the package insert that once pregnant, the pill does not have any affect on the growing fetus. Keep taking it until you figure out whether or not your are pregnant, or until your doctor says to stop.

Well, you are supposed to start the pill the Sunday after your period starts, and you are supposed to use a back-up method through that entire cycle. You have not been fully protected and are not currently fully protected. If you've been having sex and have ovulated, your chances of being pregnant are pretty reasonable. However, I doubt that if you were less than a week pregnant that these symptoms would mean pregnancy. However, you most certainly may be pregnant.

There is no way for anyone, including a doctor, to know what your chances are of being pregnant. Unfortunately you'll just have to wait and see.

I urge you to go back and talk with a nurse or doctor about using your method. If you don't feel comfortable with your doctors office then find a different doctor. It's essential for you to be open and honest with your doctor. It's essential to ask questions until you understand.

You need to call your doctor. If you are pregnant the Pill could be harmful to the baby. You need the advice of a medical professional.