A female asked:
how long does it take for the "pill" to actually start working? i have a doctor appointment coming up to get birth control and i just wanted an idea of how long it would take for it to start working
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Laura McMullenanswered
Pediatrics 21 years experience
Most : Most birth control manufacturers recommend using a back-up method such as a condom for the first week you are on the pill. After that, as long as you take it around the same time every day without missing one, it's 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. Just remember, the birth control helps to protect against pregnancy, but does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

Dr. Stephen Christensenanswered
Family Medicine 35 years experience
The : The standard instruction when starting any oral contraceptive is to abstain from sex or use condoms for the first week. After that time, the contraceptive is over 99% effective for preventing pregnancy when it's taken every day.
I've included a link that might be of interest to you. It discusses the effectiveness and potential side effects of birth control pills and offers links to information on other methods of birth control.
I hope that helps!
http://www.Plannedparenthood.Org/health-topics/birth-control/birth-control-pill-4228.Htm.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Similar questions
Denver, CO
A 20-year-old female asked:
I am 20 years old and have never menstrated regularky is there something wrong with me? I have tried birth control and it didn't regulate them either.
2 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

Dr. Marianne DiNapolianswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 8 years experience
See a doctor.: The average age for menstruation to begin is 12.6 years old. There are many different factors that could cause delayed menstruation, and it would be a good idea to get a full evaluation by a physician. You might need a physical exam, blood test and possibly imaging studies. Good luck.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old male asked:
I need more than one doctor's answer, what is your most prescribed birth control? And why?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Jeff Livingstonanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 22 years experience
Mirena (levonorgestrel) IUD: We prescribe lots of different methods but the Mirena (levonorgestrel) iud is the most popular method for my young patient population. They like the fact that they do not have to remember anything, that it can last up to five years and that they have very light periods.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 16-year-old female asked:
I am in the first moth of my birth control and more than half way through, i missed my pill today by about 8 hours what should I do?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Susan Dantonianswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 26 years experience
Birth control: Take the missed pill and then continue to take your pills as you would normally. 8 hours should not make a huge difference in effectiveness but you can certainly use condoms until you complete this pack and the first week of your second pack just to be certain.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Receiving birth control, and i want to know what are some side effects i could have.?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Thomas Lyonsanswered
Gynecology 44 years experience
Minimal side effects: Breakthru bleeding and nausea most common.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Stopped taking birth control and no period. Should i be worried?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Darrin Cunninghamanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 30 years experience
Up to 6 months: It can take up to 6 months to start your periods after stopping your pills. If you dont start, then call your doctor.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Oct 4, 2016
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