Brief Answer:
As long as you start within 7 days of the start of your period it is fine

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and i hope i can help you today.

If you have been on the pill for a while, as long as you did not miss more than seven days of active pills in between packs you are still protected against pregnancy. So if your period started and finished in just a few days you should still be protected against pregnancy if you start the pack right away.

If you are just starting the pill this month for the first time, you can start the pack any time, but if is has been more than seven days since your last period began, you should use a backup method of birth control for the first seven or 10 days of the pack just in case you already ovulated.

So in summary, there is no reason to wait for your next cycle to arrive to start the new pack of pills. The only concern is if you ovulated already this cycle before starting the pills, and to prevent pregnancy in case that occurred. You should get your next menstrual cycle at the end of the active pills in the new pack. When you start a pill pack on the first day of your period, you do not need to use backup birth control, however you will become protected against pregnancy faster if you do not wait and just use a backup method for the first 10 days.

I hope I was able to adequately answer your question and that this information was helpful. If you need any clarification, or have any other issues, please do not hesitate to contact me further.

Best wishes,

Dr. Brown

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Brief Answer:
It depends on how long ago your period started, not ended

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

When we talk about your menstrual cycle especially in reference to taking the pill, you start counting from the first day of your period, not when it ends. So if your last period started 10 days ago, you are on day 10 of your cycle.

Typically ovulation occurs two weeks before your menstrual cycle starts. So if you have a 28 day cycle and count back it would be around day 14; if you have a 32 day cycle it would be on day 18 (from the start of your period), etc.

But some people ovulate as early as day 10. So to be extra safe, we generally recommend using a backup method if you do not start the pill by day 7.

So in summary, if it has been less than 7 days since your period started, if you start the pill now you do not need a backup method. If it has been longer, it may be too early for your ovulation still but in terms of pregnancy protection to be safe we just recommend waiting a week or so on the pill to fully trust it as birth control. Or you could just wait until you get your period and start on the first day of your next cycle, but you will be protected by the pill against pregnancy sooner if you start now.

I hope that clarifies things for you and feel free to write back again if you have any additional questions. If you do need further assistance, please let me know the date when your last period began so I can know exactly how to advise your specific situation.

Take care,

Dr. Brown

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