Can you get pregnant on your first pack of birth control?

Yes. Although birth control pills have a high success rate, they can fail and you can get pregnant while on the pill. Certain factors increase your risk of getting pregnant, even if you’re on birth control. Keep these factors in mind if you’re sexually active and want to prevent an unplanned pregnancy.

How soon are you protected after starting the pill?

You can start the combination pill at any time. If you start within 5 days after the start of your period, you’re protected from pregnancy right away. You won’t need to use a backup method of birth control (like a condom).

Are you protected when you start a new pack?

If you start the pill within the first 5 days of getting your period, you are protected from pregnancy right away. If you start the pill 6 or more days after getting your period, you are not protected from pregnancy until you have been using the pill for a full week.

Do you have to wait 7 days after starting birth control?

To use a 21 – day pack: When the pack is done, wait 7 days before you start a new pack. You’ll get your period when you aren’t taking pills (hormone‑free days). You’re still protected from pregnancy during this time. The hormone‑free days must not be longer than 7 days.

When in your cycle do you start birth control?

First Day Start – Take your first pill during the first 24 hours of your menstrual cycle. No back-up contraceptive method is needed when the pill is started the first day of your menses. Sunday Start – Wait until the first Sunday after your menstrual cycle begins to take your first pill.

What happens if you start your birth control pack a day late?

If you have missed 1 pill anywhere in the pack or started a new pack 1 day late, you’re still protected against pregnancy. You should: take the last pill you missed now, even if this means taking 2 pills in 1 day. carry on taking the rest of the pack as normal.

Why did I get my period halfway through my pill pack?

This is not abnormal. Breakthrough bleeding (anything from light brown discharge up to bleeding like your regular period) is the most common side effect for women beginning birth control. Just continue using your birth control as normal and give your body time to adjust to the birth control you are using.