Hello and thank you for your question. There are two types of birth control pills; combined oral contraceptive pills which contain estrogen and progestogen and progestin-only pills. You may begin both types of birth control pills at any time of your menstrual cycle. However, whether or not you require extra contraception depends on when exactly in your menstrual cycle that you begin the pill.

How long before the pill becomes effective so that I can have unprotected sex?

Combined oral contraceptive pills:

• If you are starting the pill on day 1 of your period, you will not need any extra contraception.
• If you begin the pill before day 5 of your period, you will still be protected from pregnancy so long as your menstrual cycle is longer than 23 days. If your cycle is more than 23 days, you would require extra contraception such as condoms until after you have been on the pill for seven days.
• If you begin after day 5 of your cycle, you will require extra contraception until you have been on the pill for seven days straight.

Progestin-only pills:

• If you begin the pill before day 5 of your period, it will likely be effective against pregnancy so long as your menstrual cycle is longer than 23 days. If your cycle is less than 23 days, you would require extra contraception such as condoms until after you have been on the pill for two days.
• If you start after day 5 of your cycle, you will require extra contraception such as a condom until you have been on the pill for two days.

In order for this contraception to be effective, remember to take the pills at the same time daily. Do consult your doctor should you need more advice.

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