When to start regular birth control pill for one month?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 21 years old female and interested in starting birth control pills. I have done all my checkups and everything was okay for me to start them when I get a period. But my periods became light and irregular and I could never predict when I am going to have one, so it has been a conflict when I should start the pills. Also, I want to become sexually active, but I do not know whether the pills will protect me from pregnancy if I take them on any day of the cycle. I want to protect myself this coming month but I do not know will and how much would they be effective if I did not start them on my period? And is it okay to stop birth control after the first pack, due to the fact I have a long distance relationship and do not need to be constantly protected?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Ideally, birth control should be started from day 3 of your cycle regularly to stay protected. It is mandatory to start the pack in the proliferative phase. However, if started by seventh or eighth day, then an additional barrier contraceptive is advised to allow the effect of the pill to ensure thereby preventing pregnancy.