When Can I Start Taking The Contraceptive Pill?
In this guide
Starting the contraceptive pill often comes with a lot of questions.
When can you start taking it? Do you need to wait for your period? When does it start working? Is there a “best” time to begin?
This guide provides clear, practical answers so you can start the pill with confidence.
When Can I Start Taking The Contraceptive Pill?
You can start taking the pill at any time during your menstrual cycle, as long as you know you’re not pregnant.
This advice can change if you have a short menstrual cycle (less than 20 days).
When Do Birth Control Pills Start Working?
This depends on the type of pill and when you start taking it:
Combined Oral Contraceptives
- If you want immediate protection, start taking the combined pill during the first 5 days of your period.
- If you start taking it on any other day of your period, protection won’t be immediate. That’s why you should use additional contraception (e.g., condoms) for 7 days.
Read also: What Is The Combined Contraceptive Pill? [Complete Guide] (ed. note: link to related article when published)
Progestin-Only Pills (Mini Pills)
- Take the mini pill during the first 5 days of your period for immediate protection against pregnancy.
- If you take it on any other day of your period, you should use additional contraception (condoms) for 2 days.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for more detailed professional advice.
So, When Can I Have Unprotected Sex After Starting The Pill?
- Immediately, if you start the pill on the first 5 days of your period.
- After 7 days, if you start at another time, for most combined pills.
- After 2 days, if you start at another time, for progestin-only pills.
The pill does not protect against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). So, using condoms is still important for sexual health. You can read more in Weldricks’ guide to Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Do I Have To Wait For My Period To Start Birth Control?
No. You don’t have to wait for your period to start the pill.
Waiting can be helpful if you want immediate protection without needing condoms at first, but it’s not essential.
If I Start The Pill Before My Period, Will It Delay It?
You should be taking the combined contraceptive pill for several weeks to delay your period.
Starting the pill shortly before your period isn’t a reliable way to delay it.
If you want to understand your cycle better, Weldricks’ guide on period care can help!
When Is The Best Time To Take Birth Control Pills, Morning Or Night?
There’s no medically “best” time to take the pill. What matters most is taking the pill at the same time every day.
Prefer a time you’ll remember easily, such as with breakfast or before bed.
Consistency is key to effectiveness.
At What Age Can I Start The Pill?
In the UK, you can start taking the pill from menarche (your first period), even if you’re under 16.
When Can I Start Contraception After Giving Birth?
You can start contraception on day 21 after giving birth, as long as you’re not breastfeeding.
If you’re breastfeeding, you can start the pill 6 weeks after giving birth.
In any case, personalised expert advice is important.
When Can I Start Contraception After A Miscarriage Or An Abortion?
You can take the pill 5 days after having a miscarriage or an abortion.
If you’re late (more than 5 days after), you’ll need to use condoms for 7 days.
How Can A Pharmacist Help Me Decide When To Start?
A pharmacist can:
- Check your health history.
- Check for possible drug interactions.
- Explain when the pill will start working.
- Advise if you need extra contraception at first.
- Explain different methods of contraception.
You can speak to a pharmacist in person through the Weldricks pharmacy contraception service or complete an online assessment if you prefer support from home and want to order the contraceptive pill online.
When Can I Start The Contraceptive Pill — Key Takeaways
- You can start the contraceptive pill at different points in your cycle, not only on the first day of your period.
- If you want immediate protection, take the pill during the first 5 days of your period.
- Starting the pill outside your period is usually fine, but you may need condoms for a short time.
- There is no “right” time of day to take the pill. Consistency matters far more than the exact time.
- You can start the pill from your first period.
If you’d like to understand how to access the contraceptive pill through a pharmacy, and what to expect from the service, read our guide on getting the contraceptive pill from a pharmacy
FAQs
What happens if I start the pill when I’m not on my period?
You won’t have immediate protection against pregnancy. You can start the pill, but you’ll need to use condoms for 7 days.
You’ll be immediately protected only if you start taking the pill during the first 5 days of your period.
Can contraceptive pills clear acne?
Some combined pills may improve acne, but it’s not guaranteed. Some people notice no change.
If you’re struggling with acne, at Weldricks you can find reliable acne treatment products. You can also learn what causes acne in our helpful guide.
Does birth control affect mood?
Some people notice mood changes, while others don’t. If mood symptoms persist, switching pills may help.
Published 9th February 2026 by
Allan Green
Registered Pharmacist & Head of E-commerce
Allan has been a Registered Pharmacist for 25+ years
He specializes in Ecommerce and Over the Counter medicines.
He is a Registered Pharmacist, who studied at University of Bradford.
He has been with Weldricks since 2006, starting as a branch manager before moving into area management and deputy superintendent roles.
His current responsibilities include web development, marketing, content, customer service and web operations teams.