A 21-year-old male asked about a 21-year-old female:
how long should you be on birth control before having unprotected sex?
1 doctor answer • 5 doctors weighed in

Dr. Douglas Lawson answered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 28 years experience
The pill: In general after you have completed the first cycle pack it should be ok. However, taking the pill won't prevent stds, so consider a condom anyway. Condoms also help prevent hpv infection. Lastly, many new pill users will forget to take the pill and using a condom back up is smart for that reason as well.
5018 views
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Similar questions
A 44-year-old member asked:
How long before i can have unprotected sex on birth control?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Michael Sparacino answered
Family Medicine 37 years experience
See below: Being on the pill is protective.
4974 views
A 34-year-old member asked:
How long will you have to wait before having unprotected sex on birth control?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Edward Jacobs answered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 46 years experience
Excellent question!: I usually recommend using back-up (condoms, spermicide, etc) for the entire first cycle (tho the manufacturer may say sooner, don't take a chance !)...
4886 views
A 49-year-old member asked:
Can you tell me exactly when is it safe to have unprotected sex on birth control?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Andrea Moore answered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 18 years experience
1 week: A point of emphasis should be made. If you are not in a monogamous relationship, or even if you are, you should always use condoms to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Birth control prevents pregnancy, but will not protect you against stds. If you are taking birth control correctly, the recommendation is to use backup protection (condoms) for at least one week after the start of birth control.
4892 views
A 40-year-old member asked:
How much time do you have to wait before having unprotected sex on birth control?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowler answered
Psychiatry 25 years experience
That depends on: the specific oral contraceptive. Either read the written directions that come with the contraceptive or google the specific contraceptive on line - to learn minimal period of time you have to take it to be effective.
3676 views
Lakeside, CA
A 19-year-old female asked:
How long do you have to wait before having unprotected sex on birth control?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Cheryl Coldwater answered
Pediatrics 38 years experience
It depends: It depends on the type of birth control you are using. Check with your doctor. You will still need to use condoms for STD protection.
3413 views
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 Jan 1, 2015
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