When to start birth control pills?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Birth control pills can be started immediately (called a "quick start") or on the first day of your next period. Both methods are effective, but timing affects how soon you're protected from pregnancy.

Quick Start Method: Begin the pill any day of your cycle. Use backup contraception (like condoms) for the first 7 days.

First-Day Start: Take your first pill on day one of your period. You're protected from pregnancy right away—no backup needed.

Sunday Start: Start on the first Sunday after your period begins. Use backup contraception for the first 7 days.

If you're unsure which method suits you or are experiencing side effects, unusual symptoms, or irregular bleeding, don't guess—get clarity. Understanding your body's signals is essential before starting or switching hormonal contraception. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to identify what may be going on and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if birth control is right now Discover causes of missed or irregular periods See if pregnancy could explain your symptoms Find OTC relief for pill side effects Find a gynecologist for birth control advice Discover home remedies for pill nausea Understand if you should start the pill

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Explanation

Starting birth control pills can be done in different ways depending on your situation. You can start the pills immediately, known as 'quick starting,' or wait until the first day of your next period.

Quick Starting: According to some guidelines, you can start taking birth control pills right after a consultation, even if you haven't had a period. This method might require additional contraception, like condoms, for the first 7 days to ensure protection.
First Day Start: Another option is to start the pills on the first day of your period. This method ensures immediate protection against pregnancy.

Both methods are safe, but the choice may depend on personal preference and the advice of your healthcare provider. It's important to follow the specific instructions given to you for the best results. If you're experiencing any unusual symptoms or have concerns about which method is right for you, try our free AI symptom checker to better understand your health needs before speaking with a healthcare professional.

(References)

Simpson J, Craik J, & Melvin L. (2014). Quick starting contraception after emergency .... The journal of family planning and reproductive health care, 24706265.
Curtis KM, Jatlaoui TC, Tepper NK, Zapata LB, Horton LG, Jamieson DJ, & Whiteman MK. (2016). U.S. Selected Practice Recommendations for .... MMWR. Recommendations and reports : Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Recommendations and reports, 27467319.
Tepper NK, Steenland MW, Marchbanks PA, & Curtis KM. (2013). Laboratory screening prior to initiating contraception. Contraception, 23040133.

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