When to Start the Birth Control Pill

Dear Ask The Doctor: I want to start taking the pill but would rather not wait until the first day of my next period as its a 3 weeks away. Must you start the pill when you get your next period or would it still be effective if i was to take it now, a week after my last period? Thanks

Dear Yasmin: Hello, I understand your doubt about initiation of oral contraceptives. The best advice would be that you wait for your next period to start taking the pills; this will ensure that you are not already pregnant when you start the Pill, will also provide effective contraception from within 7 days of the first day of taking the Pill and you will be less likely to have any erratic bleeding before your next cycle.

In the meantime you could try alternative contraceptive methods such as condoms or plan b, be sure to continue to use them also during the first month while taking the oral contraceptives. I wish you the best.