How To Start Birth Control

No need to stress about logistics, we’re here to help! Whether you’re starting birth control for the first time, or switching brands, here are instructions coming directly from doctors. Following these instructions carefully can help you stay protected from unintended pregnancy.

Before starting birth control, it’s important to be reasonably certain that you are not pregnant, meaning at least one of the following is true:

• You are within 7 days of the start of your menstrual cycle
• You have not had sex since the start of your menstrual cycle
• You are currently on a birth control method and you have been using it reliably as instructed
• You are within 7 days of experiencing a miscarriage or having an abortion
• You have delivered a baby within 4 weeks
• You delivered a baby within 6 months, you are breastfeeding exclusively 85% or greater of feeds and your period has not come back

If this is not the case, you should take a home pregnancy test and follow up with your provider with the results so they can advise you on the next steps.

Are you starting birth control for the first time?
‍There are three different ways to start birth control if you’ve never been on birth control before:

1) Quickstart:
‍Take your first pill (or apply patch/insert ring/administer shot) as soon as you get the pack. You should use condoms as a back-up for the first 7 days as these methods need a week to protect you from pregnancy.

2) Start with your period:
‍Take your first pill (or apply patch/insert ring/administer shot) on the day you start your next period (the day bleeding starts). No back-up method is necessary for this method (like condoms) if you begin within 5 days of the start of bleeding.

3) Start on the Sunday after your period:
‍Take your first pill (or apply patch/insert ring/administer shot) on the Sunday after your next period begins. This method will help your cycle feel similarly timed in terms of when you have bleeding, and for some people it is easier to remember to switch packs on the weekend. You should use condoms as a back-up for the first 7 days as this method needs a week to protect you from pregnancy. Note: if you start your birth control within 5 days of your period starting, you should be protected right away from pregnancy (for example if your period starts on Wednesday and you start your birth control that Sunday).

Are you currently on birth control, but switching methods/brands?
‍If you are currently on birth control, you can complete your current pack/method and start the new prescription once you are done with your existing pack (patch/ring/shot). As long as you start your new method within 5 days of ending your previous method you do not need to use a backup method (like condoms). If you wait a little longer to start the new method, you should use condoms as a back-up for the first 7 days to protect you from pregnancy.

To learn more about the specifics of different types of birth control click here. Looking for more personalized info? Message a doctor through Twentyeight to get medical advice based on your needs and lifestyle.