Is ther a certain amount of time you should take birth control before it is effective?
345264
Birth control pills are effective after one week.
631310
Well technically u cud start it anyday but the reason why they want u 2 start either da 1st day of ur period or the 1st sunday is because it takes at least 7 days 4 ur body 2 get used to the pill.  As u know u ovulate after ur period. It changes from woman 2 woman but it takes 7-14 days after da 1st day of ur period 4 u 2 ovulate. When u take it as the doctor prescribes, at ovulation, ur body wud fully accept the birth control and it will b at full effect and then it's safe for u 2 have sex and not b 2 stressed about getting pregnant.
123165
yeah, if you're taking birth control pills (not the sugar pills they give you for the week that you're supposed to have your period) you should skip your period.  My doctor told me it was safe to skip your period once in a while if you have a special occation like a vacation or wedding or something where you dont want your period, but it's not safe to skip your period often.
625654
The pill is 99.99% effective if taken properly.  There is always that .01% chance.  If not taken properly, the withdrawal method is not fail-proof.
1143582
No- there is no way to make it come faster.  If you are on birth control, you can skip the placebos so your period is delayed, or ask your doctor for norithisterone to skip your period but that has to be taken up to 4 days before your period is supposed to start.
28335
Once your period has started, I don't think there is a way of stopping it. If you are already on the pill, depending on the pill, and you don't wish to have your period, you just continue taking the pill, instead of stopping for a week or taking the placebos during that pauze. Your period will only appear after stopping or taking the placebos. It is not recommendable to continue taking the pill for a large amount of time.
677725
No, because condoms are only good for like 15 minutes...and then are only 98% effective.  \n\nA combinations of condoms (when used properly) and the pill are your best bet, because that provides protection from STD's as well as birth control.
1025871
i could be wrong but i dont think your body needs to adjust. if anything it might take a week or so since your body is so used to the pill. but even pack says that if you "forget" to take a pill that it highers your chances for getting pregnant. Im assuming its the same when stopping the pill. I hope this helps if not then I would call your womens health doctor, they would definatly know.
818892
I am not an expert about the pill, so I researched this for you, after you read it, you will have a much better understanding...\n\n \n\nWhat are Birth Control Pills? \nThe Pill is the most popular type of birth control. There are many different brands of The Pill and they come in packs of 21 or 28 pills. One pill is taken every day. The first 21 pills have a combination of synthetic estrogen and progesterone hormones. The Pill stops ovulation, preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs. The Pill also thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to enter the uterus. The hormones in the Pill prevent fertilization. The last 7 pills of a 28-day pack have no hormones and are called spacer pills. The Pill is 92-99.7% effective as birth control. It does not protect against reproductive tract infections, including HIV/AIDS.\n\nUse \nWhen started within 6 days of the start of a period or within 6 days after an abortion, The Pill is effective immediately. If the Pill is started at other times, it will be effective after one month. To lower the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, condoms can be used while taking The Pill. \nStarting The Pill:\nThere are several ways to begin taking The Pill. One common way is to start on the first day of your period or the first day after an abortion. Some women prefer to start on the first Sunday after they begin their period or the first Sunday after an abortion. \nContinuing:\nTake one pill every day until you finish an entire pack. Try to link taking The Pill with a regular activity that you do at the same time every day, like eating a meal or brushing your teeth. If you have a 28-day pack, start a new pack immediately after you finish the old one. If you have a 21-day pack, take one pill every day for 21 days, no pills for 7 days, then start the new pack immediately. \nCautions \nSome women may not be able to take The Pill because of the risk of serious health problems. Women who are over 35 and smoke or who have any of the following conditions should not take The Pill: \n·History of heart attack or stroke\n·Blood clots\n·Unexplained vaginal bleeding\n·Known or suspected cancer\n·Known or suspected pregnancy\n·Liver disease \nWomen who are under 35 and smoke, have migraines, gallbladder disease, hypertension, diabetes, epilepsy, sickle cell disease, elective surgery, a history of blood clots, liver or heart disease may not be able to take The Pill. Your clinician or doctor can decide. \nWomen who use The Pill have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. The effects of The Pill on breast cancer are still unknown. The Pill lowers a woman's chance of developing ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and pelvic inflammatory disease. \nAs the body adjusts to hormonal changes created by The Pill, women often experience some minor side effects, including:\n·Irregular bleeding or spotting\n·Nausea\n·Breast tenderness\n·Weight gain and/or water retention\n·Spotty darkening of the skin\n·Mood changes\nSide effects usually disappear after 2-3 cycles. If your side effects are bothersome after 2-3 cycles or if heavy bleeding occurs, continue taking your pills and call the clinic for an appointment to talk about your prescription. \nDrug Interactions \nThe effectiveness of the Pill is lowered when taken with certain medications, including antibiotics, anti-seizure, tuberculosis, and migraine medications. If you are taking any medications, tell your clinician. When taking medications that may interfere with BC, consider adding a backup method of birth control, like condoms and spermicide. As with all drugs, it is useful to inform all your medical providers if you are using hormonal birth control. \nWomen who experience any of the following symptoms while taking The Pill should call the clinic immediately: \n·Abdominal pains (severe) \n·Chest pain or shortness of breath \n·Headaches (severe) \n·Eye problems, such as blurred vision \n·Severe leg or arm pain or numbness
648793
I takes a while for it to get out of your system, that is why you typically are given it every three months.  Even though it was Feb when you took it, I have seen some people still covered by it as far as birth control goes a little longer. Just keep trying!
84505
Do use backup contraception till you start your second pack of pills.  AND remember birth control pills do NOT protect against sexually transmitted diseases or HIV/AIDS.  Please be safe!
579360
you have to double up on the next dose....\n\nA back-up birth-control method is necessary for at least two days if you miss a dose (even if it is delayed by only three hours\n\nWhat if I forget to take a pill? \nIf you forget to take some of the pills, you will have menstrual bleeding at unpredictable times and you may get pregnant.\n\nIf you forget to take one pill, take it as soon as you remember and take your next pill at the usual time. If you miss two consecutive pills, take two pills each day for 2 days and then go back to your regular schedule.\n\nIf you miss three or more pills, stop taking the pills and use a different birth control method until your next menstrual cycle starts. If your menstrual cycle doesn't start on schedule, check with your health care provider.\n\nIf you have forgotten to take two or more pills and you have missed a period, you might be pregnant. You should stop taking the pills and use other forms of birth control until you are sure you are not pregnant.\n\nDo not stop taking the pills if you have taken them correctly.
713903
Not usually. On average, women ovulate about 14 days after the start of their period, when on a 28 day cycle that is regular. However, it is not an absolute fact that it works that way for everyone. They say to use birth control (non-hormonal types anyway) even during your period because there still exists the possibility of conception, which of course, requires ovulation. I would think that if the cycle is not regular to begin with, that would increase the odds of that happening.
748962
Birth control pills affect every woman differently, and they can be tricky at first to  take. In order for them to be the MOST effective, you need to take them at the same time everyday, and don't miss any days. You usually have to try 3 or more to find the right dosage and hormone match for you. \n\nHowever, there are more options to birth control than just the pill. I'm sure you've heard of most of these, but here is a short list to refresh your memory so you can ask your gyno about them:\n* the patch (I love it)\n* the Nuva-Ring\n*diaphragm\n*depo-provera injection (once every 12 weeks)       \n*IUD \n*condoms\n*female condoms\n*spermacide\n*and a few other things that are not so popular \n\nThe best thing to do really is to chat with a gyno that you are comfortable with and let her give you her top choices for options. \n\nKudos to you for being responsible for your sexual health!!
21808
Although it is great to chart your cycle, the rhythm method of birth control is not foolproof.  It is now known that some women release two eggs during their menstrual cycle quite regularly.  Also since sperm can live in the body up to 72 hours and your egg is good from 12 to 24 hours you cannot totally predict when it is "safe" to have sex.  There are many methods of birth control that both you and your partner can use such as birth control pills, male and female condoms, nuvaring, the patch etc.  With these methods your mind can be more at ease.  If money or anonymity are of concern call your local Planned Parenthood.
174323
I would say you are safe this time - but this would be a good time for you to start using dependable birth control every single time you have sex. And - she should go visit Planned Parenthood and have an exam.
878317
well I would not expect the pill to protect you from pregnancy yet.  As I recall you have your period on the 4th week, and it's usually a few days later.  You need to have some kind of system to remind you to take your pill.