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When to start your pill

There are typically two ways to start your birth control pill.  You can choose to start on a Sunday, or you can choose to start on the first day of your cycle.  Read the instructions that came with your brand of birth control to determine what way is suggested, and which is best for you.

Either method will still result in a 28-day menstrual cycle.  You will begin your pack of pills each on the same day each month.

If you choose the Sunday start method, you begin taking pills on the first Sunday after your period has finished.  If you are choosing to start this way, then you will need to use a back-up method of birth control (such as a barrier-based method: a condom, or a sponge) for the first seven days when you begin taking your pills.

If you choose to start on the first day of your period, you don’t need to take a backup each day.  However, this can be more complicated as many birth control packages are already handily labeled for a Sunday start.  Others, particularly those in dials, can be turned to facilitate easier first-day starts.