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How Long Do I Need To Be On Birth Control Before It Is Safe To Have Unprotected Intercourse?
I’m going to be starting POP birth control pills when my period starts. It has been a long time since I’ve been on birth control & things have changed with them. How long do I need to be on this pill, Camila, before it’s safe to have intercourse with my fiancé unprotected?
Sat, 2 Sep 2023
Hello,
If you are starting progesterone only pills on day 1 of your cycle then you will be protected against pregnancy right away. But if you are starting after day 5 of your cycle then you may need additional protection until you have take pills for 7 days. Always read the information that comes with the pill pack.
Try to take the pill around the same time every day until the pack is over. You can start taking the pill anytime of your cycle, but just remember that you may need additional protection for 7 days if you are taking after day 5 of your cycle. If you take the pill late by 3 hours or more then the contraceptive benefit may become unpredictable.
There are 2 types of POPs
- 3 hour progesterone that you need to take within 3 hours of each day and
- 2 hour POP that you need to take within 12 hours of the same time each day (desogestrel pill)
Read the pill cover carefully before starting the pill. Once a pack is over you can start taking the next pack the very next day that means you don't need to take break between the packs.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Praseetha Narayanan, OB & GYN Specialist
If you are starting progesterone only pills on day 1 of your cycle then you will be protected against pregnancy right away. But if you are starting after day 5 of your cycle then you may need additional protection until you have take pills for 7 days. Always read the information that comes with the pill pack.
Try to take the pill around the same time every day until the pack is over. You can start taking the pill anytime of your cycle, but just remember that you may need additional protection for 7 days if you are taking after day 5 of your cycle. If you take the pill late by 3 hours or more then the contraceptive benefit may become unpredictable.
There are 2 types of POPs
- 3 hour progesterone that you need to take within 3 hours of each day and
- 2 hour POP that you need to take within 12 hours of the same time each day (desogestrel pill)
Read the pill cover carefully before starting the pill. Once a pack is over you can start taking the next pack the very next day that means you don't need to take break between the packs.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Praseetha Narayanan, OB & GYN Specialist
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