Can you start birth control anytime

You can start new birth control at any time, including the middle of your menstrual cycle, but you may not be protected against pregnancy right away.

This applies whether you are starting a birth control method for the first time or switching to a new birth control. Different types of birth control have different recommended start dates.

Traditionally, medical experts recommended starting your birth control at the start of your menstrual cycle. Take note of how long your new birth control will take to protect you. It takes longer for some women who start birth control mid-cycle to adjust to the hormones. This can cause irregular bleeding or spotting. If you notice spotting, which can occur for several months after starting birth control mid-cycle, you may want to use panty liners or wear period underwear.

It can also cause breast tenderness. Some women like to start birth control on the first Sunday after the last day of their menstrual cycles. If either of these apply to you, contact your doctor to find out the next steps to avoid an accidental pregnancy. When in doubt, use backup contraception. Not all birth control options are right for every woman, so be sure to talk with your doctor about the details of your medical history. You should also take your lifestyle into consideration.

If you know you can be forgetful or that you may have difficulty taking a pill every day, this pill may not be the best option for you. Your doctor might prescribe a progestin-only pill or ask you to wait to take a combination pack. Deciding which birth control to use and how to start are questions that your doctor can help you answer while keeping your individual circumstances in mind.

There are many reasons for wanting to skip your monthly period, including convenience and menstrual cramps. Learn about skipping your period on birth…. Many birth control pill packs contain placebo pills. These are found in the last week of birth control pills in a pack.

Learn whether you need to take…. From IUDs and implants to condoms and diaphragms, each contraceptive has its pros and cons. Here's how long it takes for each birth control option to…. With so many birth control pill brands out there, it can be hard to know where to begin. Learn more about the different birth control pill options. Learn when a light period is nothing to worry about, and when it may be the sign of something more serious.

Spotting is lighter than a period and may indicate that you have an underlying condition. Call your doctor if you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding. For maximum effectiveness, it's important that you take your birth control pill every day. Learn what you can do if you lost a birth control pill or…. Read on to learn what to expect.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. The basics How and when to start Starting midcycle Benefits to midcycle Risk factors Staying on track Birth control options We include products we think are useful for our readers. Overview Are you considering starting or switching birth control pills? Birth control basics. How and when to start your pill pack. It is recommended that birth control is started on the first day of the menstrual period, because it kicks in the pregnancy protection right away, and no additional contraception is needed during the first 7 days of taking the pill.

The day of the week when you start taking the birth control pill does not affect the effectiveness of being protected for pregnancy. There are a few different ways to start taking birth control. Option one comprises taking birth control on the first day of your period. Second option would be to start taking birth control at any time during the menstrual period; however, you will need a back up birth control method during the first 7 days.

The third option is to start taking birth control on a Sunday. Many brands do start the pill on a Sunday, meaning, you will take your first pill on the first Sunday after your menstrual starts. Likewise, an alternative birth control method like a condom is suggested during the first 7 days. The best time to start taking the birth control pill is on the first day of your menstrual period, because then no additional protection is needed.

The birth control pill comes into effect right away. The best time to take the birth control pill is on the first day of your menstrual period. To stay on track, and to ensure the effectiveness of the pill, choose a time that is most convenient for you and take the pill at the same time every day.

You can start taking the pill any day during the week, however, an additional contraceptive method during the first 7 days is recommended to ensure efficacy and prevent pregnancy. There are two types of birth control pills — the combination pill 28 days and the progestin-only pill 21 days. 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.