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When you are ready to begin the birth control pill, one of the main questions is when to take the pill. There are a few ways to begin, depending on your preference. The first, and most popular way, is to begin the pill pack the first day of your period.
You may also choose to start the pills on the Sunday after your period starts, which will result in you getting your period every four weeks, usually on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
Once you begin the pill pack, take them as instructed. For those who use a 28-day pack, take a pill every single day right through to the next pack. Those who use a 21-day pack, take three weeks of birth control with one week off before beginning on the next pack. -
If you forget to take a pill, it is important to take one as soon as you remember. For one pill missed, take it as soon you can, still taking that days pill at the regular time. Because of a slim chance of becoming pregnant due to a missed pill, use a backup contraception until your next period to reduce chances of pregnancy.
If you miss two pills consecutively, take them both as soon as possible, in addition to the following two the next day at your regular time. Use an additional form of contraception to prevent pregnancy until your next period.
If you miss more than three days in a row, stop taking the pack and begin again with a new one on Sunday, using a backup method of contraception for two weeks after you begin the new pack. -
One of the most common birth control pill questions is how soon after stopping the pill you can get pregnant. Most often, when you stop the pill, you will begin ovulating within two weeks, with four to six weeks before you get your period.
As soon as you begin ovulation, you resume your chances of becoming pregnant. There are no risks to you or your baby should you become pregnant soon after stopping the pill. If you do not wish to get pregnant soon after, use an alternative method of contraception until you are ready to conceive.
