When do i start birth control

The combination pill contains both estrogen and progestin. The progestin-only pill, as its name suggests, only contains progestin. While the above-noted instructions provide a simple guide on when to start the birth control pill, these instructions can be tailored based on the type of pill you will be taking.

If you plan on using the combination pill, you will be protected from pregnancy immediately if you start your first pill five days after starting your period.

If you plan on taking your first combination pill at any point other than five days after the start of your period, there is a chance that you may get pregnant.

To prevent this from happening, it is advised to use another method of birth control, for at least seven days after taking your first pill if you plan on being sexually active. If you plan on using a progestin-only pill, you will be protected from pregnancy within two days of taking your first pill.

If you plan on being sexually active within that two day 48 hour timeframe , be sure to use another method of birth control to help prevent pregnancy. While you may have a preference as to when to start taking birth control pills, you should discuss your options with your doctor.

There are a number of factors to consider that may dictate when you should start your first course of oral contraceptives. Your Name required. Your Email required. Your Message. Does milk of magnesia help GERD? Table of Contents. Read More Leave a Message. When to Start Birth Control Pills? Download the skyscanner app. No matter what contraceptive you use, remember that condoms are the only way to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections STIs. If you are taking a minipill, it becomes effective within 48 hours, no matter when in your cycle you start it.

If you start a combination pill within five days of starting your period, it is effective immediately. If you start it at any other point in your cycle, it will not be effective at preventing pregnancy for seven days, and you should use backup birth control during that time.

The best time of day to take birth control is the time that you will consistently remember. Some people like to take it in the morning, others at bedtime. Just remember that you need to stick to a specific time even on weekends. Consider setting an alarm to remind yourself to take the pill at the same time daily. Most birth control pill packs are set up for a day cycle. Combination pills have 21 active pills, which contain hormones, and seven sugar pills, which have no active ingredients.

Most people get their period during the week of sugar pills. Minipills contain hormones in every dose, which can lead to slightly irregular periods.

You must take the birth control pill at the same time each day to have the most protection from pregnancy. This is especially important for the minipill. If you miss your regular time by more than three hours while on the minipill, use backup birth control for 48 hours. Birth control can help regulate your period, beginning the first month you take it.

If you take a combination pill, you can expect your period to begin shortly after switching to the inactive pills, which are usually a different color. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Current contraceptive status among women aged 15— United States, — Updated December Planned Parenthood. How do I use the birth control pill? How effective is the birth control pill. Committee on Adolescent Health Care. Committee opinion no adolescent pregnancy, contraception, and sexual activity.

Obstet Gynecol. Few teens use the most effective types of birth control. Updated April 7, When can women stop using contraceptives. Updated February 1, Lesnewski R.

Initiating hormonal contraception. Am Fam Physician. Birth control pills. Updated January 23, Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. Use backup protection for the next two days. The medical professionals at our practice will be happy to help you figure out if the pill is right for you, address questions and concerns, and provide a prescription.

We Are Here for You! Date of Birth. Date of Last Menstrual Period. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.