[softball18]

I am 18 years old and just got birth control for the first time. My doctor told me to take it the first day of my period. I mistakingly thought I got my period but it was just spotting because the next day there was nothing. It was earlier than I usually get my period but my period is usually somewhat irregular so I thought nothing of it. I starting my birth control when I saw the spotting and it I have been taking it for the last week. Now my period is late / past the date I got it last month. I had sex two weeks before I started the birth control and we used a condom and he also pulled out. Could the birth control be delaying my period?

[DoulaLC]

Often the pill can alter your cycle. You can expect a period during the week you either don't take any pills, or when you are taking the non-hormonal pills. This is partly why it is recommended to start them when you have a period as it will help to follow your usual cycle. Also it has a greater chance of preventing pregnancy, because they will already be in your system. Depending on which which pill you are taking, some can be effective after a week of taking them, others require a month of use.

Because you had sex, even with a condom, pregnancy could be a possibility as well for the lack of a period. Since your cycles are usually irregular, continue the pills as you would if you had started them with a period. It may take a cycle or two, but you should see bleeding in the week that you have off from the pill. If you don't get a period at all, try a pregnancy test just to rule that possibility out.