Sam asked
Hello, so I started taking Sprintec 7 days ago. Am I protected from becoming pregnant? One doctor said I'd be protected after 7 days and another said 14 days. Which is true?
Answer
How long birth control pills (i.e. oral hormonal contraceptive pills) take to become effective in preventing pregnancy depends on when you begin taking them. There are two different methods for starting birth control pills:
- Day One Starter
- Sunday Starter
Each method has a recommendation in regard to whether or not back-up contraception is needed, as discussed below:
Sunday Starter Or Day One Starter?
In most cases, you have a choice as to which day to begin taking your first pack of birth control pills. It is important to discuss with your doctor or provider which is the best day for you. At the very least, pick a day and time that will be easiest for you to remember.
Day One Starter
A "day one starter" refers to taking the first "active" (i.e. hormone containing) pill of the birth control pack during the first 24 hours of your period. With the day one start method, you do not need to use back-up birth control as you will be protected from pregnancy. It is important to be consistent in taking your pills and not skip doses. In addition, try to take the pills at the same time each day.
For a day one starter, you can consider birth control pills to begin working (i.e. preventing pregnancy) immediately after beginning them.
Sunday Starter
A "Sunday starter" refers to those who begin taking the first "active" pill on the first Sunday after their period starts. For example, if you get your period on a Tuesday, a Sunday starter would take their first dose on the Sunday of that week. For Sunday starters, back-up birth control is necessary anytime you have sex until you have taken 7 consecutive days of active pills.
For a Sunday starter, you can consider birth control pills to begin working (i.e. preventing pregnancy) 7 days after beginning them.
Back-up birth control is also necessary if you are starting birth control again after pregnancy and you have not had your period since your pregnancy.
Summary
- Back-up birth control is not necessary if you begin taking active hormone pills within 24 hours of the time your period begins.
- Back-up birth control is necessary if you are a Sunday starer until you have taken 7 consecutive days of active hormone pills.
- Back-up birth control is necessary if you are starting after pregnancy and have not had your period since your pregnancy.
