Birth control pills are a popular form of contraception for many women, but how quickly does the pill work? In this article, we’ll take a look at how long it takes for the pill to become effective, as well as what to expect from the pill once it’s been taken.
How Quickly Does the Pill Work?
When it comes to how long it takes for the pill to become effective, the answer varies depending on when you start taking it. If you start taking the pill on the first day of your period, it will be effective immediately. However, if you start taking the pill on any other day of your cycle, it can take up to seven days to become effective.
It’s important to note that you should use an additional form of contraception, such as condoms, during this period of time. This is because the pill will not be effective until seven days have passed.
What to Expect from the Pill?
Once the pill has become effective, it’s important to be aware of some of the side effects that can occur. These can include nausea, headaches, breast tenderness, and mood swings. It’s also important to note that the pill can affect your menstrual cycle. This means that you may experience irregular periods or spotting between periods.
The pill is also known to reduce the risk of certain types of cancers, including ovarian and endometrial cancer. It can also reduce the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease and ectopic pregnancy.
In conclusion, the pill can take up to seven days to become effective. It’s important to use an additional form of contraception during this period of time. Once the pill has become effective, it can cause side effects such as nausea and mood swings. The pill can also reduce the risk of certain types of cancers, as well as other health conditions.
The contraceptive pill is both a safe and reliable way to prevent unwanted pregnancy. However, many women are unsure as to how effective the pill is soon after consumption, and, in turn, how long it takes for the pill to take effect.
It is important to note that the majority of birth control pills are categorized into two different types; the combined pills and the progestin-only pills. Combined pills, which contain both estrogen and progestin, work to produce an artificial hormone balance that is responsible for preventing pregnancy. Progestin-only pills, also known as the mini-pill, do not contain estrogen and instead rely solely on the synthetic form of progestin.
When starting a new combined pill, it is recommended to begin taking it on the first day of your period, or within the first 5 days of the start of your menstrual cycle. After the first 5 days, a woman is not protected against pregnancy until she has been using the combined pill for seven days, so it is important to use an alternate contraceptive method in the meantime, such as a condom.
If a woman begins taking a mini-pill at any point during her cycle, protection from pregnancy should be immediate.
It is also important to note that, just because the pill is effective in preventing pregnancy does not mean it can prevent all sexually transmitted diseases. The best and most recommended way to prevent any STD’s is always to use a condom every time you have sexual intercourse.
If you have any further questions about the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill, it is important that you speak to a healthcare professional. Your doctor can provide you with more detailed information about the best type of pill and the timescales in which it will take effect.
