How do I know when to start taking the pill?

How do I know when to start taking the pill?

Best time to start birth control in cycle The best time to start taking the birth control pill is on the first day of your menstrual period, because then no additional protection is needed. The birth control pill comes into effect right away.

Are there requirements for birth control?

You need a prescription for birth control pills. You can get a prescription from a doctor or nurse at a doctor’s office, health clinic, or your local Planned Parenthood health center. In a few states, you can even get a prescription online or directly from a pharmacist.

Can I start birth control without waiting for my period?

So there’s no need to wait for the first day of your period to start taking your birth control pills — you can start whenever you like! At the longest, you’ll only have to wait seven days for the pills to start being effective.

What happens if I start the pill before my period?

If you take your first pill within five days of your period, you’re protected immediately. However, if you want to start sooner and your period isn’t for a few weeks, you can still begin taking your birth control pills, but you won’t be protected right away.

How long does it take for your body to get used to the pill?

It can take two to three months for your body to adjust to the hormones in a new birth control pill (or other form or hormonal birth control like the patch or shot), and that can mean side effects like acne or weight gain (though this is usually water retention, not extra fat).

Is it better to take birth control at night or in the morning?

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.

Is it possible to see signs of pregnancy while on birth control?

The earliest signs of pregnancy share many of the same characteristics as the side effects of the birth control pill. This may include: Birth control can make your period very light. This light bleeding can be confused with implantation bleeding, which occurs when a fertilized egg implants into the uterus.

What to do if you get pregnant while on birth control?

If you get birth control from a doctor, ask about keeping the information private. Of course, if you get pregnant, chances are good that your parents will find out. You might be afraid of what your partner will think. Anyone worth sharing sex with should be willing to talk about staying safe.

Do you have to go to the doctor for birth control?

In the United States, most insurance companies have to pay for the whole cost of an appointment to talk to your doctor about birth control and for most types of birth control your doctor prescribes. If you are having sex, you should see a health care professional regularly to protect your health even if you aren’t going for birth control.

Can you take a pregnancy test while on birth control?

Nausea. Morning sickness, which can happen at any time of the day, can indicate that you’re pregnant. Birth control pills can also cause nausea. If taking your pill with food doesn’t help alleviate the nausea, you may want to take a pregnancy test.