When do i restart my birth control

There are many reasons for wanting to skip your monthly period, including convenience and menstrual cramps. Learn about skipping your period on birth…. Many birth control pill packs contain placebo pills. These are found in the last week of birth control pills in a pack. Learn whether you need to take….

From IUDs and implants to condoms and diaphragms, each contraceptive has its pros and cons. Here's how long it takes for each birth control option to…. With so many birth control pill brands out there, it can be hard to know where to begin.

Learn more about the different birth control pill options. Learn when a light period is nothing to worry about, and when it may be the sign of something more serious. Spotting is lighter than a period and may indicate that you have an underlying condition.

Call your doctor if you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding. For maximum effectiveness, it's important that you take your birth control pill every day. Learn what you can do if you lost a birth control pill or…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. The basics How and when to start Starting midcycle Benefits to midcycle Risk factors Staying on track Birth control options We include products we think are useful for our readers.

Overview Are you considering starting or switching birth control pills? Birth control basics. How and when to start your pill pack. Side effects to starting midcycle. Are there benefits to starting midcycle? Risk factors to consider. Staying on track. Deciding on the right birth control for you. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.

Many brands do start the pill on a Sunday, meaning, you will take your first pill on the first Sunday after your menstrual starts.

Likewise, an alternative birth control method like a condom is suggested during the first 7 days. 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. The best time to take the birth control pill is on the first day of your menstrual period. To stay on track, and to ensure the effectiveness of the pill, choose a time that is most convenient for you and take the pill at the same time every day. You can start taking the pill any day during the week, however, an additional contraceptive method during the first 7 days is recommended to ensure efficacy and prevent pregnancy.

There are two types of birth control pills — the combination pill 28 days and the progestin-only pill 21 days. The combination pill contains both estrogen and progestin. The progestin-only pill, as its name suggests, only contains progestin. While the above-noted instructions provide a simple guide on when to start the birth control pill, these instructions can be tailored based on the type of pill you will be taking.

If you plan on using the combination pill, you will be protected from pregnancy immediately if you start your first pill five days after starting your period. If you plan on taking your first combination pill at any point other than five days after the start of your period, there is a chance that you may get pregnant. To prevent this from happening, it is advised to use another method of birth control, for at least seven days after taking your first pill if you plan on being sexually active.

If you plan on using a progestin-only pill, you will be protected from pregnancy within two days of taking your first pill.

If you plan on being sexually active within that two day 48 hour timeframe , be sure to use another method of birth control to help prevent pregnancy. While you may have a preference as to when to start taking birth control pills, you should discuss your options with your doctor. There are a number of factors to consider that may dictate when you should start your first course of oral contraceptives.

Your Name required. Speak to a doctor or nurse for advice. The combined pill can interact with medicines called enzyme inducers.

These speed up the breakdown of hormones by your liver, reducing the effectiveness of the pill. A GP or nurse may advise you to use an alternative or additional form of contraception while taking any of these medicines.

There are some risks associated with using the combined contraceptive pill. However, these risks are small. The oestrogen in the pill may cause your blood to clot more readily. If a blood clot develops, it could cause:. The risk of getting a blood clot is very small, but your doctor will check if you have certain risk factors before prescribing the pill. The pill can slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer and cervical cancer.

It can also decrease the risk of developing womb uterus cancer , ovarian cancer and bowel cancer. However, 10 years after you stop taking the pill, your risk of breast cancer and cervical cancer goes back to normal. Contraception is free to everyone through the NHS. Places where you can get contraception include:.

Find a sexual health clinic. If you need contraception, call your GP surgery or a sexual health clinic as soon as possible. Only go in person if you're told to. It can take longer to get contraception at the moment and some types are not widely available. You may only be able to get the combined pill if you've had your blood pressure and weight checked in the last 12 months.

If you cannot get the combined pill, you may be advised to use the progestogen-only pill or condoms for now. If you want advice about changing your contraceptive pill, you can visit a GP, contraceptive nurse sometimes called a family planning nurse , or sexual health clinic. You should not have a break between different packs, so you will usually be advised to start the new pill immediately or wait until the day after you take the last of your old pills. You may also be advised to use alternative methods of contraception during the changeover, as the new pill may take a short time to take effect.

Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of If you're under 16 and want contraception, the doctor, nurse or pharmacist will not tell your parents or carer as long as they believe you fully understand the information you're given and your decisions. Doctors and nurses work under strict guidelines when dealing with people under They'll encourage you to consider telling your parents, but they will not make you. The only time that a professional might want to tell someone else is if they believe you're at risk of harm, such as abuse.

The risk would need to be serious, and they would usually discuss this with you first. Page last reviewed: 1 July Next review due: 1 July Combined pill - Your contraception guide Secondary navigation Getting started How does the female condom work? Where to get contraception. What is emergency contraception?

Where can I get emergency contraception? Emergency contraception. Things to consider Age, health, lifestyle, side effects How effective is contraception at preventing pregnancy? Combined pill Progestogen-only pill Natural family planning fertility awareness.

Condoms Female condoms Diaphragm or cap. Condoms Female condoms. Female sterilisation Vasectomy male sterilisation.