Taking contraceptive pills for the first time?
Unsure of when to start taking the pill?
Worried because you’ve missed a few doses?
We cover these questions as well as several other common queries for those who are new to using this contraceptive method.
For more on contraceptive pills, read ‘Contraceptive Pills 101: A Complete Guide’.
Can you start the pill at any time?
Yes, you can start the pill at any time. However, there are several ways in which you can get on the pill:
- First-day start – You can get started on the pill on the first day of your period.
- Fifth-day start – Take your first pill on the fifth day of your period.
- Quickstart – Start right away upon getting the pack, followed by the second pill the next day. You’ll still need to use backup contraception for 7 days with this method.
- Sunday start – Most pill packs are made to start on this day. Start the first pill on the first Sunday after your period starts. You’ll still have to use backup contraception for 7 days, but starting on a Sunday also means that you won’t have your periods on weekends.
Types of pill packs
Contraceptive pills are available in 21 or 28-day packs. Extended cycle pills come in packs of 91 or 365 pills.
- 21-day packs – One pill is taken each day at the same time for 21 days, followed by 7 days without any pills before starting on a new pack. You will menstruate on the 7 no-pill days.
- 28-day packs – One pill is taken each day at the same time for 28 days. Depending on the brand you are using, you’ll be consuming pills with estrogen and progestin for the first 21 to 26 days. For the balance of 4 to 7 days, you’ll be on inactive pills that do not contain hormones. You will have your period during these days.
- 91-day packs – One pill is taken each day at the same time for a total of 84 days. Pills for the last 7 days are either inactive or contain only estrogen. You will menstruate in the last 7 days.
- 365-day packs – One pill is taken each day at the same time for the year. You will likely experience much lighter periods or even no periods at all.
How to take contraceptive pills?
Taking contraceptive pills is actually quite simple – just take one pill at the same time, every day.
With perfect use, contraceptive pills are 99% effective. However, in reality, it’s easy to forget or miss doses.
As such, with typical use, contraceptive pills are 91% effective, which means that 9 out of 100 women who are on the pill will get pregnant every year.
Here are some tips to help you remember to take your pill every day:
- Choose a time and stick to it. You can try linking the time you pick with something that you already do every day. For example, taking the pill after you brush your teeth or just before you go to bed.
- Note it down. Mark the days that you will be starting on a new pack on your calendar. If you err on the forgetful side, cross off the day once you’ve taken the pill. This way, you’ll also be able to know how many doses you’ve missed if you do forget to take it.
- Check your pack. Because packs come in 21 or 28 pills, you can check to see whether you took yesterday’s pill. Take it immediately if you missed the previous day
A medical professional will be the best person to advise you which regime to follow, depending on the pill type you have chosen.
What if I missed doses?
So what should you do if you realize that you’ve missed taking the pill?
If less than 48 hours since your last pill,
- Take the missed dose immediately.
- Take the rest of the pills as per your regular schedule. This means that you may have to take two pills on the same day.
If more than 48 hours,
- Take the most recent missed pill. Discard the rest that you missed.
- Follow this with your regular schedule. This means that you may have to take two pills on the same day.
- Ensure that you use backup contraception, or abstain from sex until you have continuously taken active pills (pills containing hormones) for a minimum of 7 days.
If you’ve missed doses and have had unprotected sex, check with a medical professional if there is a need for emergency contraception.
What is the best time to take contraceptive pills?
Contraceptive pills can actually be taken any time of the day. However, taking it on an empty stomach may cause nausea. As such, it’s best not to take it when your stomach is empty.
You can also avoid nausea from the pill by taking the pill before you head off to bed or around dinner time.
Can I start contraceptive pills on my period?
Yes, you can start contraceptive pills when you’re on your period. However, whether you’ll be effectively protected after your period depends on the type of contraceptive pill you’re using.
Check with a medical professional if you need to use backup contraception as well as the best time for you to start on the pills.
How many days after taking the pill am I protected?
Protection against pregnancy upon starting on the pill depends on the type of pill you are on as well as which part of your menstrual cycle you’re in.
Generally, if you’re on the combination pill, protection is immediate if you begin taking the pill within 5 days of your period. This means, if your period starts on the 10th, you’ll need to start taking the pill from the 1st to the 5th.
If you’re starting on the combination pill in the middle of your cycle, it’s recommended that you continue to use a ‘backup’ contraceptive method such as condoms for at least 7 days.
If you’re taking the progestin-only pill, you’ll be protected after 48 hours of taking the pill regardless of where you are in your menstrual cycle.
How to stop taking contraceptive pills?
You can stop taking contraceptive pills anytime you wish. However, it’s recommended that you stop at the end of a pill pack.
You may experience some spotting when you stop taking the pills. Your periods may also be irregular for some time. However, you will most likely start ovulating within 2 weeks, so if you don’t want to get pregnant immediately, it’s best to use an alternate form of contraception once you stop taking the pill.
Conclusion
Contraceptive pills are safe, affordable as well as effective. It’s a popular birth control method because it’s easy to use and also because you can stop taking it anytime you wish. If you’re considering this method, speak to our team of medical professionals at Ova. We would love to help you with any questions you may have.