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When Is The Right Time To Start Birth Control Pills?

Posted on Thu, 24 Sep 2015

Question: Hi. I have been prescribed Qlaira as a contraception method. This is my first time using hormonal contraception methods. Can I start taking it immediately instead of waiting for my next period to start (my period just ended 2 days ago)? I know I can do that "Quick Start" method with other combined contraception pills, but not sure about Qlaira. Is it correct that if I start now, as long as I wait 7 days before I have sex again, the pill will already be effective? I would really rather start now and have it start working in a week than wait for my next period. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Should be started from the first day of the periods

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear, I have gone through your question and understand your concerns. Oral contraceptive pills should be started anywhere between day 1 to day 5 of the periods. Starting after that has very high chances of failure of contraception, as the follicles start developing in the ovaries by that time and these pills are ineffective in preventing the ovulation. Moreover, Qlaira is a low dose oral contraceptive pill, with different hormonal content given in different days of cycle,should be taken from first day of periods for effective contraceptive effect.
I will strongly suggest you to start the pills from the first day of periods.
Hope you found the answer helpful. Please do get back for for further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Dr Deepti Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (32 minutes later)

Thank you!

Then, if I start on the first day of the period, it will be effective immediately?

And what if I were to take another contraception pill like XXXXXXX would I be able to start taking it already? Which pill do you suggest? I know my doctor gave me the lower dose just because she thinks it has a lower chance of causing blood clots.

The problem is that I end up using the pull out method a lot with my boyfriend, and I just don't want to stress out anymore.

Thanks again

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear, yes it will be effective immediately if you start taking the pills on the first day of the periods.
Any contraceptive pill should be started maximum by 5 th day of the periods to have effective contraceptive effect. I suggest you to take any low dose pill, but from the first day of periods to have effective contraception.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (48 minutes later)

Thanks again. I will wait as you say, though it is actually technically my 5th day today. My period only lasts 3 days - actually more 2.5.. It's also quite irregular..Is this a cause for worry?

Regards,

XXXXX

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please furnish some information

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear, please specify what do you mean by irregular periods? Is it means prolonged cycles more than35 days pr short cycles less than21 days, or irregular bleeding between two cycles?
Please do get back to me with the information, if feasible.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar