From the Health Library of SterlingMedicalAdvice.com: When should I start birth control?

birth-control-pills

You generally will be given two options of which day to start your first packet of oral contraceptives. Whichever day you choose to start, pick a time of day that will be convenient every day.

There are two types of start days for oral contraceptives.

Day one start:
Take the first active tablet in your packet during the first 24 hours of your period.
Sunday start:
Most women use a Sunday start because it is easiest to remember. Take the first active tablet in your pack on the first Sunday after your period starts, even if you are still bleeding. If your period begins on Sunday, start that day.
Most oral contraceptive manufacturers recommend using a back-up method of contraception (condoms, etc.) for at least a week, or even up to one month after starting your oral contraceptives.
To achieve maximum contraceptive effectiveness, your oral contraceptives should be taken exactly as directed at timeframes not exceeding 24 hours between dose, preferably at the same time each day, including when you’re bleeding. The effectiveness of oral contraceptives depends on strict adherence to the dosage schedule. Missing a pill can cause spotting or light bleeding.  Patients may be a little sick to the stomach on the day the make-up tablet is taken with the next regularly scheduled tablet.
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