How long does it take for the pill to work?

By Amy @ Planned Parenthood | Sept. 23, 2010, 11:10 a.m.

Category: Ask the Experts, Birth Control

I started taking birth control pills this month and I wanted to know how long does it take for the pill to work. Because I had sex the day after and my boyfriend finished inside of me. I’m not sure if this pill is going to work.

If you start taking the pill within five days of the start of your period, pill protection begins immediately. If you start taking it at any other time during your menstrual cycle, pill protection begins one week later. Check with your health care provider about whether you should take a pregnancy test, or you can make an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you. Keep in mind that while hormonal birth control offers excellent pregnancy protection, it does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Only latex and internal condoms reduce the risk of infection.

Tags: birth control, the pill