How Soon Can You Start Birth Control After Taking Emergency Contraceptive?

How long after taking the emergency contraceptive can one take the regular contraceptive?

How long after taking emergency contraception can I start taking regular birth control pills? This is my first time taking regular birth control; do I need to visit a gynecologist, or can I just buy the pills directly from a pharmacy? I had unprotected intercourse from February 28 to 29 and took the emergency contraception on the same day.
I also drank a jujube syrup recommended by the pharmacist.
My period surprisingly arrived on March 5! My last menstrual period was from February 17 to 22, and my average cycle is 33 days with an average duration of 31 days.
This is the third time I've taken emergency contraception, and my previous periods have always been late, but this time it came much earlier.
Am I pregnant, or did the emergency contraception cause a miscarriage? The day of intercourse was exactly when my app predicted my fertile window.
Should I start taking the regular birth control pills on the fifth day of my current period, or should I wait until my next cycle?

Wooooooooooow, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/07

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, generally, the oral contraceptive pills should be started on the fifth day of the menstrual cycle.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/03/07

More Info

After taking emergency contraception, it is generally recommended to start taking regular birth control pills as soon as you are ready, but there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, and they work primarily by delaying ovulation. If you have taken ECPs, it is crucial to ensure that you are not already pregnant before starting a regular birth control regimen.

In your case, since you took the emergency contraceptive on February 29 and experienced your period on March 5, it is likely that the ECP was effective in preventing pregnancy. The early onset of your period could be attributed to the hormonal changes induced by the emergency contraceptive, which can sometimes cause changes in your menstrual cycle, including earlier or heavier bleeding. It is important to note that ECPs do not cause an abortion; they prevent ovulation and fertilization, and if you are already pregnant, they will not terminate the pregnancy.

Regarding when to start taking regular birth control pills, you can begin taking them after your next menstrual cycle starts. Since your average cycle is about 33 days, if your next period starts as expected, you can start taking the birth control pills on the first day of that cycle. Alternatively, many birth control pills can be started at any time, but it is advisable to use a backup method of contraception (like condoms) for the first seven days of taking the pill to ensure maximum effectiveness.

As for obtaining the birth control pills, you can either visit a gynecologist or a family planning clinic for a prescription, or you can purchase them over the counter at a pharmacy, depending on the regulations in your area. It is often beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider, especially if this is your first time using hormonal contraception, as they can provide personalized advice and help you choose the best method for your needs.

In summary, you can start taking regular birth control pills after your next period begins, and it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to ensure you are making the best choice for your reproductive health. If you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle or the effects of the emergency contraceptive, do not hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance.

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Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, if you are sure you are not pregnant, you can start taking the birth control pill on the fifth day of your menstrual period. Wishing you good health.

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