How Long Until Birth Control Pill Is Effective? A Clear Guide

Birth control methods have become so popular nowadays. If you are of reproductive age, you have multiple options to consider for effective birth control. One of the most common methods is the pill, which has been in use for more than fifty years.

As the name implies, the birth control pill is a small, everyday pill that helps control pregnancy. The pill contains hormones that help reduce the chances of getting pregnant, irrespective of the time of the month. For the best results, you should take it every day, simultaneously, or as instructed by your doctor.

If you are considering using this birth control method, you may wonder how to use it and how long it takes to be effective. Keep reading to learn more about it.

Types of Birth Control Pills

Birth control pills come from many brands but generally fall under two main types: progestin-only pills and combination pills.

1. Progestin Only Pills

Progestin-only pills contain only one hormone known as progestin. They work by thickening the womb entrance with mucus to prevent the entrance of sperm and prevent the egg from getting fertilized.

2. Combination Pill

The combination pill is a mix of two hormones, namely progestin and estrogen. These two hormones work collectively to prevent the ovary from releasing an egg, hence preventing the chances of getting pregnant.

Both pills are highly effective when taken well. But how long until the birth control pill is effective? Generally, the pill takes an average of five days to protect pregnancy effectively. The duration varies from one person to another since everybody reacts differently.

To some people, the pill may be effective only 48 hours after taking the first pill. To others, it can take up to seven days. As such, it’s always advisable to take the first pill within five days after the first day of your menstruation. This way, you will be safe when you have unprotected sex. Alternatively, you can wait until seven days after starting the pill for it to work alone in preventing pregnancy.

How to Use the Birth Control Pill?

The birth control pill is 99% effective when taken well. 

To take it, you should simply swallow it with water. You should take it every day, at almost the same time, or within a time range of not more than three hours. For instance, if you take your first pill at midnight, then you should also take the rest at that time or by 3 am. 

If you fear forgetting the time, be sure to set an alarm to increase the effectiveness of your birth control pill.

Most birth control pill packs come with 21 or 28 pills. Take them every day without fail. When you finish one packet, wait for seven days, probably taking iron pills during your menstruation period. If you need to get pregnant, you can stop taking your pills at any time.

Benefits of the Birth Control Pill

Preventing unwanted pregnancy is the top reason why people take the pill. However, the pill offers other benefits that may make you consider it besides preventing pregnancy. 

Here are some of them:

• Regulate the menstrual cycle of people with PCOS or heavy periods.
• Reduce the acne caused by hormonal imbalance.
• It helps relieve pain in people who experience painful monthly periods.
• Manage the signs of endometriosis.
• Reduce the risk of suffering from ovarian cysts.

Side Effects of the Birth Control Pill

The birth control pill works well but may sometimes bring unwanted effects. Most of the effects are mild and end shortly after taking it. 

The most common side effects that you may experience include nausea, irritability, headache, and breast tenderness. You may also experience spotting in between periods during the first few months of using it. 

Not everyone experiences these effects. If you do, watch the progress and notify your healthcare provider if you don’t improve after several months. Your doctor may recommend another birth control method or offer helpful suggestions for minimizing the effects.

Other Birth Control Methods

The birth control pill is quite common, but it’s not the only option you have. 

If the pill doesn’t work for you, you can always switch to other options. If you need a hormonal method, you can choose the IUD, implants, or hormonal shots. For the non-hormonal method, a condom is a popular option, which is also easy to get. Both male and female condoms are available, and they can also help prevent STDs. 

Since there are many methods, you may find it quite overwhelming to choose the best one. When this happens, do not hesitate to consult your healthcare provider to select the right one.  Nevertheless, here are helpful tips to help you choose the best birth control method:

• Decide if you will need another child in the future because irreversible birth control methods are available.
• Understand the costs of the birth control method you need. Some methods, like using the daily pill or condoms, are cheap.
• Weigh the potential side effects. Every birth control method has effects that vary significantly. Weigh them to choose what works best for you well.
• Consider protection against STDs. Barrier methods like condoms can help prevent sexually transmitted infections.

Conclusion

The birth control pill is a highly effective birth control method for women. It works well for people of all ages, but careful intake is required to increase effectiveness. 

If you miss it for consecutive days, you may risk getting pregnant, so you should be consistent with your intake. If you are still unsure of what birth control method to use, consult your doctor for help in choosing the best according to your health.