Hi guys! Need your help! I started to take the pill the day before my period. Am I still protected? (I had spotting blood last night so started to take the pill then) however only started to bleed today and have taken my second pill already. Will I still be protected immediately? (I am taking gedarel 20/150. Thank you!

So this is your first time on the pill? If you started the pill within first 5 days of your period, you're protected immediately. If you start at any other time, you would need to wait until you take 7+ pills consecutively for the pill to suppress ovulation, protecting you against pregnancy. I'm just not 100% sure if that spotting that you had the day before your period is considered as "first day of period". Is that normal for you and happens regularly? Besides, even if it doesn't count, the second pill that you took while on your period should be enough to protect you from pregnancy if I'm not wrong.

Yes first pack! I usually always have spotting the day or 2 before I get my period. Yeah that’s why I wasn’t sure if the spotting is considered as part of the period.. I am however on day 3 of the pill and on my period so I’m assuming I’m protected immediately as it’s within the first five days? Thanks!

Some quick research tells me that spotting before period may not count as having your period. And the first day of your period should be the "first day of flow". In my opinion, you should theoretically be immediately protected. Someone can maybe correct me on this. In any case, if you're unsure for any reason, you should wait until you've taken 7+ pills before having condomless sex. You can try calling your doctor or pharmacy and ask them for advice too.

I would be cautious and use extra protection for the first 7 days.