How Gedarel works to prevent pregnancy
Gedarel is a combined hormonal contraceptive pill containing synthetic versions of the female hormones oestrogen (ethinylestradiol) and progesterone (desogestrel). It works through a three-pronged approach to prevent pregnancy:
- Inhibiting Ovulation: The hormones in Gedarel prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg each month, which is the primary mechanism of action.
- Thickening Cervical Mucus: The hormones thicken the fluid in the cervix, creating a barrier that makes it more difficult for sperm to travel and reach an egg.
- Thinning the Uterine Lining: The medication also causes the lining of the womb to thin. This makes it difficult for a fertilised egg to implant if one were to get through.
The kick-in time for Gedarel: Your starting point matters
The most important factor in determining how quickly Gedarel provides contraceptive protection is when you begin taking your first pill. There are two main scenarios based on your menstrual cycle.
Scenario 1: Starting Gedarel on days 1-5 of your period
If you begin taking your first Gedarel pill on day 1 through day 5 of your period, you are protected against pregnancy immediately. This is because starting during this window ensures that ovulation, which would have occurred later in the cycle, is prevented before it can happen. For women with a short or irregular menstrual cycle, a healthcare provider might advise using additional precautions for the first seven days, but for most, immediate protection applies.
Scenario 2: Starting Gedarel at any other time
If you start taking Gedarel at any other point in your menstrual cycle—after day 5 of your period—you will need to use a backup contraceptive method, such as a condom, for the first seven days. This is known as the "7-day rule." During this initial week, the pill's hormonal effects may not be strong enough to reliably prevent ovulation. After you have taken your pills correctly for seven consecutive days, you can rely on Gedarel for contraception.
Switching to Gedarel from another method
The time to effectiveness can also vary when switching from another contraceptive method.
- Switching from another combined pill: If you are switching from another combined pill and start Gedarel the day after finishing your last active pill (without a break), protection is continuous and immediate.
- Switching from a progestogen-only pill (mini pill): You can switch at any time. However, you should use backup contraception for the first 7 days of taking Gedarel.
- Switching from an injection, implant, or IUD: You can switch on the day your implant or IUD is removed, or on the day your next injection would have been due. In all these cases, you will need to use backup contraception for the first 7 days.
Factors that can compromise effectiveness
Even after Gedarel has kicked in, its effectiveness can be compromised by a few factors:
- Missed pills: Skipping a dose, or taking one more than 24 hours late, can compromise your protection. Missing multiple pills requires you to follow specific instructions in the patient leaflet or consult a healthcare professional.
- Vomiting and diarrhoea: If you experience vomiting or severe diarrhoea within 3 to 4 hours of taking a pill, the hormones may not be fully absorbed into your bloodstream. This is treated like a missed dose, and you should use a backup method while you are ill and for seven days afterwards.
Comparison of Gedarel starting scenarios
| Start Date | Timing of Contraceptive Protection | Backup Contraception Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Days 1-5 of Menstrual Cycle | Immediate protection | No (for regular cycles) | May vary for those with short or irregular cycles, check with a doctor. |
| Any other day of Menstrual Cycle | After 7 consecutive pills | Yes, for the first 7 days | Essential for reliable protection during the initial week. |
| Switching from another combined pill | Immediate protection | No | Assumes seamless transition without a pill break. |
| Switching from mini pill, implant, etc. | After 7 consecutive pills | Yes, for the first 7 days | Necessary during the changeover period. |
Consistent use is key
To ensure Gedarel is as effective as possible and to prevent any delays in its protective effects, consistency is crucial. Take your pill at the same time every day to establish a routine. If you are prone to forgetting, consider using an alarm or pairing it with a daily activity, like brushing your teeth.
Conclusion
In short, how long does Gedarel take to kick in? depends on your start date. Immediate protection begins if you start on days 1-5 of your period, while a 7-day waiting period with backup contraception is necessary if you start at any other time. Adhering strictly to the dosing schedule and knowing what to do in case of missed pills or illness is vital for maintaining its high level of effectiveness. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice, especially if you are unsure about the correct starting method or have a medical condition. For more detailed information, you can also consult resources like the NHS combined pill guide.
