It is not safe to start taking birth control pills in the middle of the cycle. It is much safer if you start taking the pills when your next period begin.

If you use condom you will be protected instantly.

Dr. Nikola, why is this? i started my birth control mid cycle, in fact my doctor told me i should.

Like Concernedk, I would also like to ask, again, why it is unsafe? I like to understand all of the medical choices I make as much as possible.

Concernedk, how long until you were protected on the pill after starting in the middle of your cycle? Some people say 7 days, some people say 1 month... but most of them did not start in the middle of their cycle. I started about 9 days ago and haven't experienced any side effects.

Thanks in advance!

It is not safe to start taking birth control pills in the middle of the cycle because in the midle of the cycle ovulation usually hapens. It is not forbiden to start taking the pills in the middle of the cycle but you should be aware that the ovulation in that cycle may not be prevented so there is a risk to get pregnant. The progesterone-component in the pills makes the cervical mucus thicker and unpleasent for the spermatozoids but it needs time for acheiving full afficiency. That time is minimum 7 days but some people say longer (even a month).

I beleive that is more rational to use condom (or avoid sex) for 2 weeks and start the pills when it should be (when next period starts) than to start the pills in the middle of the cycle, use additional contraception for 1 or more weeks and to be scared about possible conceiving during all those 2 weeks. I think that by starting the pills in the middle of the cycle the risk for unwanted pregnancy is greater than the pleasure you can get for those 2 weeks. But anyway, the choice is yours.

If I were to start my bc pills between cycles would it affect the start date of my cycle? Meaning I started my bc pills 2 weeks ago Friday and my cycle would normally start today. Will this now change to coincide with the pills in my pack?

I'm starting the pill to help clear up my skin (not for contraceptive reasons). Would it be ok to start mid cycle? I would it still be better to wait for my next period?

my period is 8 days late...due to stress so i dont think it will come this month so is it safe to start taking the pill now??