When does birthcontrol become effective?

The pill becomes effective from the day you take it, if and only if you start taking it on the very first day of your period. If you take it on any other day of the month for the first time, then you are advised to use extra protection for at least 7 days. This just allows the hormones to build up a little in your body so you get the protection from them. If you use the pill with a 7 day break (any combined pill) then make sure you start taking the next packet on the day you should, so the hormone levels do not deplete. They build up enough from the 21 days you take it to cover you on the 7 day gap, but no more. So, if you stop taking the pill on a tuesday for your break, then start again the next wednesday. Also, try and get in a routine of taking the pill ata similar time everyday as part of your routine, so you do not forget it.

I know this as I have been on the pill for nearly 4 years now and have had no problems.

If you are using a different method like the implant, the general advice is to use extra protection for 7 days.

If you do stop using condoms, do make sure both your and your partner have had a sexual health check if either of you have been sexually active before, as only barrier methods of birth control, like condoms, will protect you from passing STIs onto one another.

I would wait at least a month. It is supposed to become effective after 10 days, but then you’ll be unprotected for your first withdrawal bleed and after that you’ll be fully protected if you used it right (that is what a nurse told me). So use extra protection for the first month at least, just to be careful.

Actually that is wrong. Regardless of what day you take it it still takes at least 7-10 days to offer you protection and a month before you are almost completely safe. It does NOT become effective immediately.

My pill leaflet and all all those I know, as well as my doctor, says what I wrote in this post. That is where is best to check if unsure anyway, which I am sure the OP will do.

It depends on the pill. If you are taking a combined pill (oestragen and progesterone) then the its generally seven days, though this can vary, so it doesnt hurt to give it an extra couple of days. If its progesterone only, then its two days, but you have to be extremely careful to take it at the same time, because unlike combined pills, most mini pills do not prevent ovulation. They work by making the mucus of the cervix impermeable to sperm, and this effect only lasts for 24 hours.