Vanessa Lin
Birth control pills are one of the most effective methods of contraception when taken daily or as prescribed. There are two types of birth control pills: combination pills, which contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, and progestin-only pills, also known as minipills. The type of pill and where you are in your menstrual cycle will determine when the pill becomes effective at preventing pregnancy. It is recommended to start taking the pill as soon as you get it to reduce the risk of unplanned pregnancy, and to decide on a schedule and stick to it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to start | Anytime, but when you start affects how soon you’ll be protected against pregnancy |
| Combination pills | Contain hormones estrogen and progestin |
| Progestin-only pills | Contain only progestin |
| Minipills | Contain hormones in every dose, which can lead to slightly irregular periods |
| Timing | If you start within 5 days after your period starts, you’ll be protected right away |
| Slynd | If you start taking Slynd within the first 5 days of your period, you’ll be protected from pregnancy right away |
| Backup birth control | You may need to use a backup birth control method (like condoms) for up to the first 7 days |
| Continuous dosing | Involves taking an active pill every day without the need for inactive pills |
| Extended dosing | Involves short breaks three or four times per year, where you take inactive pills or no pills at all |
| 21-day pack | Take one pill per day for 21 days, and wait a week before starting a new pack |
| 28-day pack | Take one pill per day for 28 days (four weeks) in a row, and then start a new pack on day 29 |
| Missed pill | If you’ve only missed one pill, take it as soon as you remember, even if you have to double up |
| Alarms | Use an alarm or calendar reminder to help you stay on track |
What You'll Learn
When to start taking birth control pills
You can start taking birth control pills as soon as you get them, at any time of day and during any part of your menstrual cycle. However, when you'll be protected from pregnancy depends on the type of pill you're taking and when you start taking it.
Combination pills
The most common type of birth control pill, combination pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin. You can start taking them at any time, but if you start within 5 days of the beginning of your period, you'll be protected from pregnancy right away. If you start taking them at any other time, you'll need to take the pill for 7 consecutive days before you're protected against pregnancy. During this time, you'll need to use another method of birth control, such as condoms, if you don't want to get pregnant.
Progestin-only pills (POP or mini-pills)
You can start taking progestin-only pills at any time, depending on the brand. These pills work fast and offer protection against pregnancy after two consecutive pills (48 hours). If you don't want to wait 48 hours before having sex, use another method of birth control in the meantime.
Slynd
Slynd is a new type of progestin-only pill. If you start taking Slynd within the first 5 days of your period, you’ll be protected from pregnancy immediately. If you start taking it at any other time, you'll need to use another method of birth control (like condoms) if you have penis-in-vagina sex during the first 7 days. Unlike other progestin-only pills, you don't need to take Slynd within the same 3-hour window every day.
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How to take them
There are two types of birth control pills: combination pills and progestin-only pills (also known as minipills). The type of pill you take determines when you should start taking it and when you will be protected from pregnancy.
Combination pills
If you start taking combination pills within 5 days of the start of your period, you will be protected from pregnancy immediately. If you start taking them at any other time, you will need to take them for 7 consecutive days before you are protected from pregnancy. During this time, you will need to use another method of contraception, such as condoms.
Progestin-only pills
Progestin-only pills can be started at any time, depending on the brand. They offer protection against pregnancy after two consecutive pills (48 hours). If you don't want to wait 48 hours before having sex, use another method of birth control in the meantime.
Slynd
Slynd is a new type of progestin-only pill. If you start taking Slynd within the first 5 days of your period, you will be protected from pregnancy right away. If you start taking it at any other time, you will need to use another method of birth control (like condoms) if you have penis-in-vagina sex during the first 7 days. Unlike other progestin-only pills, you do not need to take Slynd within the same 3-hour window every day.
General advice
It is best to start taking the pill as soon as you get it prescribed or over-the-counter. Studies have shown that delaying the start of taking the pill can increase the risk of unplanned pregnancy. When you start taking the pill, decide when to take it each day and stick to that schedule. Setting a daily alarm or calendar reminder on your phone can help you remember.
If you miss a pill, your risk of pregnancy is increased. If you have missed taking your progestin-only pill at the usual time by more than 3 hours, use a backup method of birth control for the next 48 hours. If you have missed taking your combination pill, use a backup method of birth control for at least 7 days.
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What to do if you miss a pill
It's important to take your birth control pill every day, but almost everyone misses a pill sometimes. Here's what to do if you've missed a pill:
If you've missed one white hormone pill:
Take the missed pill as soon as possible, and then take your next pill when you're supposed to. This might mean taking two pills in one day. You don't need to use a backup method of birth control, but you should use a condom if you've had sex in the last five days, as you may want to consider emergency contraception.
If you've missed two or more white pills:
Take the most recent pill you missed as soon as possible. Continue taking one pill a day until you finish the pack. You will have one or more older missed pills left in the pack. Use a backup method of birth control, like condoms, for the next seven days.
If you've missed any green reminder pills:
You can throw these away. Continue taking one pill a day until you finish the pack. Start a new pack the day after you finish the old pack. You don't need a backup method of birth control as long as you start the new pack on schedule. If you didn't start the new pack when you were supposed to and it's been more than five days since your period started, use a backup method of birth control for the next seven days.
General advice:
Try to take your pill at the same time every day to help you remember. You can use an alarm, calendar reminder, or a birth control app to help you stay on track. If you're ever unsure about what to do, follow the instructions given by your healthcare professional and read the information that comes with your pills.
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Side effects
Birth control pills are a safe and effective method of preventing pregnancy. However, they do have some side effects, which vary among individuals and the type of pill taken. Side effects usually ease within a few months of starting the pill, but they can persist. If side effects are bothersome or don't get better, a doctor may prescribe a different brand of the pill.
Some common side effects include irregular menstrual bleeding, spotting, nausea, breast tenderness, and headaches. The pill can also affect sex drive, or libido, in some people. This may be due to hormonal changes, which can also cause changes in vaginal discharge. Vaginal dryness may occur, and using lubrication can make sexual activity more comfortable.
The pill often lists weight gain as a possible side effect, although research has not confirmed this. In theory, birth control pills could lead to increases in fluid retention or water weight, fat mass, or muscle mass. However, some people may also experience weight loss.
It is important to note that birth control pills can have rare but serious side effects in a small percentage of people. These include an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, high blood pressure, and heart attack. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider before starting the pill. They will consider your medical history and advise on any potential risks.
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When to expect your period
When you get your period depends on the type of birth control pill you are taking.
Combination pills
If you are taking a combination pill, you will get your period during the week you take the reminder or placebo pills. These pills do not contain hormones. Most combination pills come in 21-day or 28-day packs. With the 21-day pack, you will either stop taking pills for 7 days or take the reminder pills for 7 days. With the 28-day pack, you will take the reminder pills for 7 days. There is also a combination pill that makes periods happen less often by supplying a hormone pill for 12 weeks and then inactive pills for 7 days. This reduces the number of periods to once every three months.
Progestin-only pills
If you are taking a progestin-only pill, you may not get your period at all. If you do, it may be irregular.
When to start
You can start taking birth control pills at any time. If you start taking a combination pill within 5 days of the start of your period, you will be protected from pregnancy right away. If you start taking it more than 5 days after the start of your period, you will need to use another type of contraception, such as condoms, for the first 7 days.
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Frequently asked questions
You can start taking birth control pills as soon as you get them, at any time during your menstrual cycle. However, when you will be protected from pregnancy depends on when you start and the type of pill you are using.
There are two main types of birth control pills: combination pills and progestin-only pills (also known as minipills). Combination pills contain the hormones estrogen and progestin, while minipills only contain progestin.
It is recommended to take one pill every day, at the same time each day. You can use an alarm, calendar reminder, or a birth control app to help you remember. The length of time you take the pill for depends on the brand, but most combination pills come in 21-day or 28-day packs.
If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember, even if you have to take two pills in one day. If you miss a progestin-only pill by more than three hours, you should use a backup method of birth control for the next 48 hours.
