text: My doc said within 2 weeks as far as protection goes.  I've been using for a year now.  But I never go 3 months without bleeding/spotting.  The first time I went 6 weeks, then had spotting for a few days.  After my first period on it, I went 8 weeks the next time, with spotting for a few days.  But its so much better than having a period every 28 days.  I love it.