How long till Pill effective? Another BC thread.

[Raidenator]

I tried searching, didn't find anything to satisfy my question.

If your average girl were to start taking the pill, how long would it take for the pill to become fully effective? Is it from the day they start using it? Or does it build up over time as I've heard?

Also, I assume that it has to be started right after her period. Or at least, that's the way it would seem.

[dancingdoc2]

There are a lot of different "pills". Each has its own unique set of rules.
Generally, the answer is for the woman to go through one complete cycle plus the on she is on.

In the meantime continue to double up on your contraception: condoms and spermacide, etc.

[eminatic]

to answer the question about when to begin, generally for most oral contraceptives it is either within the first 24 hours after starting her period (day 1 starter) or the sunday after she starts her period (sunday starter) although this may not be the case for all of them.

there is always a detailed booklet attached to all hormone contraceptives that will tell you exactly when it is effective.

[sera300]

IT ALL VARIES UPON THE PILL! Be safe and follow docs advice & do not make assumptions.

[sera300]

Originally Posted by eminatic

to answer the question about when to begin, generally for most oral contraceptives it is either within the first 24 hours after starting her period (day 1 starter) or the sunday after she starts her period (sunday starter) although this may not be the case for all of them.
there is always a detailed booklet attached to all hormone contraceptives that will tell you exactly when it is effective.

NO...many are 7 days some say 24 based on the start day; other a full month. It's the pill used...be safe and follow the MD's instructions.

[eminatic]

Originally Posted by sera300

NO...many are 7 days some say 24 based on the start day; other a full month. It's the pill used...be safe and follow the MD's instructions.

i meant when to start taking the pill for the first time (in response to the OP's question about when a girl begins taking birth control for the first time) not when the pill actually takes effect.

...though i realize not all of them are this way, the majority are- but all will be explained if and when the pill is physically obtained

[Brandye]

Raidenator,

You could not have read around. There are major stickies on this as well as many threads. There is a brochure in the pill pack and the prescriber should cover all of this. There are too many different pills to cover.

[Raidenator]

^^^ I used the search function and took a look in "Use only as directed" among a couple of others. Didn't find anything satisfactory.

Also, I say this because a friend of mine has been talking about having sex and so she asked me about BC. I told her the best I could and she said she would talk to a doctor anyway. In any case, thanks for the answers.