Pill when is it effective

Are condoms with spermicide more effective than condoms without spermicide? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Pills, IUD, and More. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.

How long do I have to wait? Here, we break down the wait times by birth control type. If I have an intrauterine device IUD? If I have the implant? If I get the Depo-Provera shot? If I wear the patch? If I use NuvaRing? If I use a barrier method? If I just had a sterilization procedure? The bottom line. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph. Choosing the Right Birth Control Pill. Medically reviewed by Nicole Galan, RN. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm.

Medically reviewed by Suzanne Falck, MD. Here, find other telltale signs of a period and learn how pregnancy spotting is different. However, most people miss a dose from time to time.

Learn more about the types of birth control pill. A healthcare professional inserts an intrauterine device IUD into the uterus. It contains copper, which interferes with the process of fertilization.

An IUD that contains hormones becomes effective right away if a doctor inserts it within 7 days of a period starting. Otherwise, it takes 7 days. Depending on the type, these last 3—6 years. Here, find some tips on choosing an IUD.

The birth control implant is a tiny rod that a doctor inserts under the skin in the upper arm. It releases progestin and prevents ovulation.

If a doctor inserts the device during the first 5 days of a cycle, the implant works immediately. Otherwise, it takes 7 days to reach full effectiveness. As with all methods of birth control, however, there is always a small chance of pregnancy. The birth control patch prevents ovulation by releasing estrogen and progestin. A person applies a new patch each week for 3 weeks. On the fourth week, they use no patch to allow for menstruation.

If a person applies the first patch within 5 days of starting a period, it works immediately. Otherwise, it takes 7 days to become effective. Barrier methods prevent fertilization by stopping sperm from reaching an egg. Male and female condoms , the diaphragm , and the sponge all create a physical barrier. Spermicides are substances that contain chemicals that kill sperm. A person might use a cream, foam, film, suppository, or gel variety.

Insert it into the vagina, near the cervix. Learn more about other nonhormonal methods of birth control. With typical use :. Combining a physical barrier, such as a condom, with spermicide increases its effectiveness. Condoms need to fit properly to work, however. Here, learn how to find the right size of condom. A person inserts a vaginal ring into their vagina. They wear it for the first 3 weeks of their cycle, then remove it to allow menstruation to occur.

If a person inserts the ring on the first day of their cycle, it works immediately. Otherwise, it takes 7 days to work.

Although the birth control pill is generally very effective, some situations can reduce its effectiveness and may sometimes result in unintended pregnancies. These include:. Manufacturers intend for people to take the pill daily for it to be most effective. If a person misses a day, their hormone levels may not remain at consistent enough levels to prevent pregnancy.

If a person finds it difficult to take the pill on a daily basis, other birth control methods may better suit their needs. A doctor or gynecologist can advise on the range of alternative contraceptives. Sometimes a person may be ill when they take the pill.

When a person vomits, the pill can come back up, or they may not fully absorb it into their body. Anyone who experiences vomiting shortly after taking the pill should take another pill as soon as possible and then take their next pill as usual.

In addition to taking birth control pills daily, a person should also take the pills at around the same time each day. This can maintain their hormone levels more consistently. A person should always take the minipill within the same 3-hour time window every day. Someone who misses their window should use a backup birth control method for the next 2 days or avoid having sex. It is essential to start a new pack of pills the day after finishing the previous one.

However, sometimes a person may not have their new package yet. Missing a few days between packs can make the pill less effective at preventing pregnancy. According to the CDC , anyone who misses two or more pills in a row should use a backup contraceptive method or avoid sexual intercourse until they have taken the birth control pill for 7 consecutive days.

Some medications can make the pill less effective. Medications include certain antibiotics , such as rifampicin, and anti-fungal drugs, such as griseofulvin. A person should use backup contraception while taking these medications and for 48 hours after finishing the course.

Other more long-term medications and supplements may also affect how well birth control pills work.