The New Intimacy

Birth Control Pill -- how soon does it start working?

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Contributor: SMichelle SMichelle
I am going to be starting back on the birth control pill soon. It has been awhile since I've been on it, and it seems that some of the information has changed. Most specifically, information about how fast the pill is effective seems to change.

In the past, my doctor and just about every source I read, said that it takes a full 30 days for the pill to be effective against pregnancy.

Now, I'm reading on various websites, and hearing from my new doctor, that it takes 7 days for the pill to be effective against pregnancy (assuming that you start the pill during your period).

There's a big difference between 7 and 30 days.. and not that it really matters as I will be using condoms regardless..
but I'm wondering if any of you have any insight here?
01/01/2012
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Contributor: Ryuson Ryuson
(Review Program Mentor)
Quote:
Originally posted by SMichelle
I am going to be starting back on the birth control pill soon. It has been awhile since I've been on it, and it seems that some of the information has changed. Most specifically, information about how fast the pill is effective seems to ... more
Hmm, I've heard both as well. What I assume happened is that the physicians said 30 because they wanted to be safe until more conclusive data was gathered, but then enough evidence was found to point towards it being effective after the first week. I still wouldn't trust it after a week because of how everyone's body is different and everyone's hormones adjust at different rates!
01/01/2012
Contributor: Ms. Spice Ms. Spice
You should be able to read on your prescription package. I think most pills take up to 7 days, but I would err to the side of safety and wait 30 days.
01/01/2012
Contributor: Miss Anonymous Miss Anonymous
I've been told 14 days by my doctor. I've read that it only takes 7 days.. I personally wait a full 30 days. I don't want to make any mistakes, and I rather wait a month and KNOW I'm in the safe zone.
01/01/2012
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Seve to fourteen days depending on the formula, the insert that comes with it should tell you. Mine was seven days from the start and it didn't matter where I was in my cycle.
01/01/2012
Contributor: GonetoLovehoney GonetoLovehoney
I'd wait 2 weeks to be sure. That's what my doctor told me when I started the Depo shot. Also, if you forget, the cycle pretty much has to reset itself and your protection against pregnancy is lowered.
01/01/2012
Contributor: Peggi Peggi
Typically, 2 weeks depending on the type of birth control you are using. Some generics may take longer or a shorter time than the name brands, some new forms vary. It all depends. You should ALWAYS allow for 2 weeks minimum.
01/01/2012
Contributor: Chirple Chirple
Shoot, it ate my post.

Short version :

Pill works by suppressing ovulation. To be "safe", you must be sure you are not ovulating. The pill also has other effects that have a degree of protection, but I would not give up condom/etc before confirming ovulation was suppressed (which you see by waiting to see if it happens that month).
01/02/2012