How Long to Wait for Birth Control Pills to Be Effective?

Started taking the birth control pill on the 6th day?

Hello, doctor.
I am currently taking birth control pills for the first time and forgot to take them within the first 2-5 days.
How long will it take for the pills to become effective for contraception? If I have intercourse, should I still use condoms, or can I stop using them after a certain number of days of taking the pills? The brand I am taking is Wenbunin 28 tablets.

Ms. Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/21

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it is recommended to start taking birth control pills on the fifth day of your menstrual cycle.
If this method is not followed, it is advisable to use condoms for added safety.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/09/21

More Info

When starting birth control pills, it's essential to understand how they work and the timeline for achieving effective contraception. Generally, the effectiveness of birth control pills can vary based on when you start taking them in your menstrual cycle and whether you have missed any doses.

For most combination birth control pills, if you start taking them at the beginning of your menstrual cycle (the first day of your period), they are effective immediately. However, if you start taking the pills at any other time during your cycle, it typically takes about 7 days for the pills to become fully effective. This means that if you have unprotected intercourse during this initial week, there is a risk of pregnancy, and it is advisable to use a backup method, such as condoms, until the pills have been taken consistently for 7 days.

In your case, since you mentioned that you forgot to take the pills within the first 2-5 days, it's crucial to follow the instructions provided with your specific birth control brand, which in your case is "温不妊" (Wenbu Ren). If you missed a dose, you should take it as soon as you remember, and if you miss more than one dose, refer to the guidelines for missed pills provided with your medication. Generally, if you miss one pill, you should take it as soon as you remember and continue with your regular schedule. If you miss two or more pills, you may need to use backup contraception for at least 7 days.

It's also important to note that while birth control pills are highly effective when taken correctly, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, using condoms in addition to birth control pills is a good practice, especially if you or your partner have not been tested for STIs or if you are unsure of your partner's sexual health history.

In summary, if you have just started taking the birth control pills and missed doses, you should continue taking them as directed and use a backup method for at least 7 days to ensure effective contraception. After this period, if you have taken the pills consistently and correctly, you can rely on them for birth control. However, using condoms is still recommended for STI protection and as an additional safeguard against unintended pregnancy. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to address any concerns you may have regarding your birth control method.

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