when does BC become effective??

Ok, so...tomorrow is the end of my 3rd week on Ortho Try-Cyclen Lo, and I was wondering if anyone knew when it became effective.  Sunday is the beginning of the placebo pills, so is it effective after the 3rd week??

I do believe you have to wait until your second month to be sure you're fully protected. I vaguely remember my doctor saying that many years ago. 

have you noticed any symptoms being on that?
especially weight gain?

the patient insert says 1 week, your dr says one month.  on the safe side, use a backup method until you start your next pack.

hehe have fun!

Heh, my doctor told me quietly that "it really works after about two days, but we have to say a month just so we're covered."

alliecat2:

Yeah, I've noticed a lot of water weight gain especially when I switch colors...but it seems to be improving lately.  I can tell it's water weight because my fingers swell and my rings don't fit as well.  but it's going down. 

I have also heard that in reality the pill is effective after only a few days, but they say a month just to really be on the safe side.

I think you should be fine by now, the placebo pills do nothing except remind you when to start the next pack. I don't take them because I like a break from pill-popping once in a while and have not had any problems (i.e. unwanted pregnancy...).

I haven't had any weight gain issues with Ortho Tricyclen Lo.  Not that I didn't have any weight gaining issues, but I think that was more to do with me eating all day and not excercising (I'm so glad I found this web site!).  I also waited until my second month to be sure it was effective.  That is, once I got my period during my one week off from pills.