how long before birth control becomes affective

[thenewguy17]

This is only my second post and it's a pretty straight to the point question. My gf is getting birth control and we haven't had sex before this and i was wondering how long should she be on the pill before we can safely practice sex. I remember hearing that it takes a certain amount of time for the pill to become affective and i was just wondering.

[dancingdoc2]

Products vary so she should read the instructions and get the facts from her doctor. In general, it takes one full cycle plus the remainder of the one she is on. In the meantime use an alternate contraceptive.

[demonbuttercup]

Some packs (brands) say the first day or first week...depending on what day you start them.
My DR suggested I go through one full pack (cycle).
If you are depending on pills alone... be sure she taking them religiously!!! Can't always depend on the other person

[sera300]

You said she is "getting the pill" have her discuss this with the doctor. As the other posters said, it varies pill to pill. Directions on how long to wait also depends on the doctor, to be safe give it a month, especially since she has never taken them before.

[Brandye]

I always tell my patients one complete cycle no matter what the brochure says. It takes a while to reach therapeutic level in the bloodstream and different women react differently to some brands and formulations.

SHE should talk with the DOCTOR. It is her body and, essentially, not your role to find out from people you do not even know.

[thenewguy17]

she's actually getting the pill because she's getting this pain in her side and she told me that the dr. might put her on the pill to help so this wasn't really planned so thats why i came to this site. By the way thanks for the advice so far it's definatley appreciated