How long does it take for birth control to kick in?

How soon does the pill work? It can take up to seven days for the pill to become effective in preventing pregnancy. During this time, you should use another form of birth control. If the pill is used to control symptoms such as acne or abnormal bleeding, it can take three to four months to see true benefits.

Do birth control pills work immediately?

The pill doesn’t start working right away. You need to take it for at least a few days before it becomes effective. That’s why it’s important to use a backup contraceptive, like condoms, when you first start taking it. Talk to your doctor about how long you need to use a backup method.

Why do you have to wait 7 days after starting birth control?

To use a 21 – day pack: When the pack is done, wait 7 days before you start a new pack. You’ll get your period when you aren’t taking pills (hormone‑free days). You’re still protected from pregnancy during this time. The hormone‑free days must not be longer than 7 days.

How did I get pregnant on the pill?

If you take progestin-only pills, you should be especially careful about taking the pill at the same time every day. If you’re late with a dose or skip one altogether, your hormone levels can drop very quickly. This could cause you to ovulate and that greatly increases your chances for getting pregnant.

Could I be pregnant on birth control?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , the pill is 99.7 percent effective with perfect use. This means that less than 1 out of 100 women who take the pill would become pregnant in 1 year.

What time should I take my pill?

Take your pill before bed If you take the pill on an empty stomach, you may be more likely to experience nausea. On the other hand, taking it after having eaten may decrease the likelihood of unpleasant symptoms. Dr. Yen recommends taking the pill at night either you go to bed or around dinner time.