[that_candian_girl07]

...another contraceptive method? I might start taking the pill soon, and im not having sex, im just curious.

[michelliosis]

for most BC pills it's 90 days

[Melle]

usually takes about 3 months for the pill to be totally effective. but remember that it's effectiveness is only 92%. Always use a condom no matter what

[xgurl3eb]

i've always used a backup method in addition to the pill, can't be too careful, but gererally it's after 60 or 90 days, usually your prescription will come with a little info booklet thing and it'll say in there

[sweetestsin618]

my doctor told me to wait seven days. i waited a month to be safe though.

[lexilou]

I work for a clinic that deals mostly with reproductive health. We tell our patients 7 days, but if you start the pill the sunday after your period, you should be protected right away.

[vicky brook]

It protects you from 3 months after you have taken it properly. If you miss a pill you have to use extra protection i.e condom for 7 days after. It's higher than 92% protection rate as i used to take it myself. If you miss a pill it can cause bleeding inbetween periods. There are side effects from taking the pill- mood swings, weight gain, sore boobs etc. But it might not cause you any problems. Just remeber when you start having sex it does not protect you from any STD or HIV infection. The doctor will ask you why you want to go on the pill and they might not give you it if you say your not having sex. It would be better to use condoms with a new partner then go on the pill when you've both been tested for STD's. You have to remeber to take it on time and the good thing is you no exactly when you'll get your period every month. The injection is better as you have it once every 12 weeks and you are protected straight away and your periods stop. You havent said how old you are- they don't normally give the contraceptive injection to teenagers.

[Sangetencre]

The leaflet that comes with your birth control should tell you. It depends on when you start the pill during your cycle. I know some pills list 7 days before it becomes effective; I'm not sure about others. I usually give it about a month for full effectiveness. And do remember that when taken *correctly* (around the same time everyday, with no antibiotics, and no illnesses that can flush the Pill out of your system) the pill is close to 99% effective. The realistic rate puts it at less than that.