When to start the combined pill

Whether protection begins immediately depends on menstrual timing, the previous contraceptive method and the specific product. A prescriber or pharmacist should give you an exact start and backup plan.

Starting near the beginning of menstrual bleeding can provide protection sooner than starting later in the cycle. When starting at another time, temporary barrier contraception may be advised while hormone effects become established.

After childbirth, pregnancy loss, emergency contraception or a switch from another method, start instructions differ. Recent unprotected sex may require pregnancy testing now and again later, because an early pregnancy may not yet appear on a test.

Confirm the packet and start instructions, check the expiry date, and choose a daily time you can maintain. Keep the leaflet available for late tablets, vomiting or severe diarrhoea.

Give the prescriber an accurate last-period date, recent pregnancy history, contraception use and details of unprotected sex. Also mention migraine, blood pressure, smoking, clot history, medicines and breastfeeding.

Seek advice before starting if pregnancy is possible, your period is unusually late, you recently gave birth, you have migraine with neurological symptoms, or your health has changed since the prescription.

After starting, obtain urgent care for sudden chest pain, breathlessness, coughing blood, one-sided leg swelling, sudden weakness, speech difficulty or a severe new headache with vision changes.

Ask which day to take the first tablet, when contraceptive protection begins, how long to use condoms, when a pregnancy test is appropriate, and what to do if the first dose is delayed.