Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPregnancy PreventionPeriod RegulationStopping PeriodOther Reasons to Use Birth Control
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Pregnancy Prevention
Period Regulation
Stopping Period
Other Reasons to Use Birth Control
Hormonal birth controlis a type of birth control that uses hormones to prevent pregnancy and reduce menstrual cramps and acne. It may or may not be immediately effective for preventing pregnancy.
When it was started and which type of hormonalbirth controlwill determine when it is effective.
This article will discuss the different types of hormonal birth control and when they become effective.
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When Does Birth Control for Preventing Pregnancy Start Working?
Several types of hormonal birth control can prevent pregnancy. Each type begins working at a different time. Below is an explanation of when birth control becomes effective.
Implants
The implant (calledNexplanon) is a small rod that a healthcare provider inserts under the skin. It contains the hormoneprogestinand may start working one week after its insertion. A backup contraceptive method should be used during that one week.
Injection
The injection is a shot of contraceptive calledDepo-Provera. It is injected into the muscle or another subcutaneous area. Its effectiveness depends on when it is taken. It is effective immediately if taken within the first seven days after themenstrual cyclehas started.
It takes seven days for effectiveness to begin if it is taken after day seven of the menstrual cycle.
Birth Control Pill
There are two types of hormonal birth control pills. The combinedbirth control pill, which contains estrogen and progestin, is the more common type of birth control pill.Progestin-only pills, or mini pills, are taken when someone cannot tolerate estrogen.
The combined birth control pill will be effective immediately when taken on the first day of the period.
Some people choose to start taking their combined birth control pill on a different day of their menstrual cycle. In this case, it takes seven days to become effective against pregnancy.Therefore, backup birth control methods should be taken for seven days after starting the combined birth control pill.
The mini pill is also effective immediately when taken on the first day of the period. If it is started at a different time, then it takes two days to become effective against pregnancy.Just like the combined pill, a backup birth control method should be taken, though this is only necessary for two days after starting the mini pill.
Intrauterine Device (IUD)
The hormonalIUDs(Mirena,Kyleena, Skyla, and Liletta) are T-shaped devices that a healthcare provider inserts into the uterus. They are effective immediately if inserted within seven days of the start of the menstrual cycle.
However, if the IUD is inserted later than seven days from the start of the menstrual cycle, it will take seven days to become effective. These IUDs are effective for three to eight years, depending on which brand is used.
The ParaGard copper IUDreleases a tiny amount of copper (which acts as aspermicideand thus kills sperm) is immediately effective and can also work as a form of emergency contraception.
Patches
Hormone patchesuse bothestrogenand progestin (as combined birth control pills do). A patch is applied for one week at a time, then replaced with a new patch. This lasts for three weeks, and then on the fourth week, no patch is applied to allow for the period to occur.
When the patch is applied on the first day of the menstrual cycle it starts working immediately. If it is applied after that, then effectiveness will take seven days, in which case a backup birth control method should be taken.
Vaginal Rings
Avaginal ringis a flexible plastic ring that containsprogestinand estrogen. It is inserted into the vagina and slowly releases the hormones. The ring is left in the body for three weeks and then taken out for one week.
A vaginal ring is immediately effective if inserted on the first day of the menstrual cycle. If it’s inserted after that, it takes seven days to become effective.
When Does Birth Control Work After Missing a Dose?Missing a birth control pill can causepregnancy. In most cases, if someone forgets to take a hormone birth control pill (that is not one of the placebo pills), they should take it as soon as they remember. They should then take the next pill at its normal time.If they miss two pills, they should use abackup birth control methodfor seven days to prevent pregnancy.
When Does Birth Control Work After Missing a Dose?
Missing a birth control pill can causepregnancy. In most cases, if someone forgets to take a hormone birth control pill (that is not one of the placebo pills), they should take it as soon as they remember. They should then take the next pill at its normal time.If they miss two pills, they should use abackup birth control methodfor seven days to prevent pregnancy.
Missing a birth control pill can causepregnancy. In most cases, if someone forgets to take a hormone birth control pill (that is not one of the placebo pills), they should take it as soon as they remember. They should then take the next pill at its normal time.
If they miss two pills, they should use abackup birth control methodfor seven days to prevent pregnancy.
How Long Until Birth Control Regulates Periods?
Bleeding orspottingcan occur during the first two or three months of taking birth control pills. This is sometimes called irregular bleeding or breakthrough bleeding.
After three months thebirth control pillshould properly regulate periods.
Bleeding is to be expected during the days when non-hormone pills are taken.
Birth Control Side EffectsIt can take some time to get used to the hormone changes that result from birth control. Each person will have a different experience of transitioning to the medication.On top of getting used to birth control, several serious side effects are associated with hormonal birth control pills, such as heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. These risks are higher for those over 35 years old and those who are heavy smokers.Other less serious side effects include:ConstipationNausea and vomitingWeight gain or weight lossGingivitisDiarrheaBloating
Birth Control Side Effects
It can take some time to get used to the hormone changes that result from birth control. Each person will have a different experience of transitioning to the medication.On top of getting used to birth control, several serious side effects are associated with hormonal birth control pills, such as heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. These risks are higher for those over 35 years old and those who are heavy smokers.Other less serious side effects include:ConstipationNausea and vomitingWeight gain or weight lossGingivitisDiarrheaBloating
It can take some time to get used to the hormone changes that result from birth control. Each person will have a different experience of transitioning to the medication.
On top of getting used to birth control, several serious side effects are associated with hormonal birth control pills, such as heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots. These risks are higher for those over 35 years old and those who are heavy smokers.Other less serious side effects include:
How Long Until Birth Control Stops Periods?
During the first two or three months ofbirth control, spotting or breakthrough bleeding may occur.
Birth control pills consist of a certain number of hormone pills. Those who take these hormone pills will not have their period. Only after they stop taking the hormone pills and start taking placebo pills will period bleeding resume.
However, they can also choose to skip the placebo pills and keep taking thehormonebirth control pills to avoid getting their period. This is one way to stop periods while on the pill.
People take birth control pills for reasons other than to avoid pregnancy, including dealing with:
Birth Control Considerations When on AntibioticsThe antibiotic called rifampin, which is for treatingtuberculosis (TB)orNeisseria meningitidis, can decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control. Therefore, those who are taking rifampin should avoid hormonal birth control.
Birth Control Considerations When on Antibiotics
The antibiotic called rifampin, which is for treatingtuberculosis (TB)orNeisseria meningitidis, can decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control. Therefore, those who are taking rifampin should avoid hormonal birth control.
Unprotected Sex and Birth ControlHormonal birth control is an effective method of preventing pregnancy when taken as directed. However, based it may take seven days to become effective depending on when it is first taken. In addition to this delay, it is also ineffective for treating sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV,gonorrhea, orchlamydia.
Unprotected Sex and Birth Control
Hormonal birth control is an effective method of preventing pregnancy when taken as directed. However, based it may take seven days to become effective depending on when it is first taken. In addition to this delay, it is also ineffective for treating sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV,gonorrhea, orchlamydia.
Summary
Hormonal birth control is an effective method of preventing pregnancy, reducing cramps, and managing heavy periods. It becomes effective depending on the type of birth control and the timing of when it’s taken. If a question or any confusion about hormonal birth control arises, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for clarification.
4 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.UpToDate.Patient education: hormonal methods of birth control.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Contraception.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.When to start using specific contraceptive methods.MedlinePlus.Estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives).
4 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.UpToDate.Patient education: hormonal methods of birth control.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Contraception.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.When to start using specific contraceptive methods.MedlinePlus.Estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives).
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
UpToDate.Patient education: hormonal methods of birth control.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Contraception.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.When to start using specific contraceptive methods.MedlinePlus.Estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives).
UpToDate.Patient education: hormonal methods of birth control.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Contraception.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.When to start using specific contraceptive methods.
MedlinePlus.Estrogen and progestin (oral contraceptives).
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