The Pill - Day Starters

If You Are A Sunday Starter

* Take the first active pill of the first pack on the Sunday after your period starts - even if you are still bleeding. If your period begins on Sunday, start the pack that same day.

* Use another method of birth control if you have vaginal intercourse during the first week of pill use- anytime from the Sunday you start your first pack until the next Sunday. Good back up methods include the latex or female condom, diaphragm or cervical cap, and contraceptive foam, cream, jelly, or film (see below). Pill protection will begin after seven days and continues as long as the Pill is taken on schedule.

* Continue taking pills daily according to the schedule provided in the pack. If you are using a 28-day pack, take one every day until the pack runs out, then start a new pack on the next day. If you are using a 21-day pack, take one every day until the pack runs out, then take seven days off before starting the next pack.

* Twenty-eight-day pack users should start the next pack the day after finishing the previous pack regardless of when menstruation takes place. Twenty-one-day pack users should start the next pack seven days after finishing the previous pack.

     It is very important to remember that the Pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Use a latex or female condom along with the Pill for protection against infection.

If you are a "First-Day Starter"

* Take the first active pill of the first pack during the first 24 hours of your period.
* You will not need to use a back up method of birth control. You are protected against pregnancy immediately. Protection continues as long as the Pill is taken on schedule.

STD's
The Pill
Staying On Schedule
If You Forget
Myths & Truths