How long can I have sex if I take birth control pills every day?

Many people wonder how long it takes for birth control to work. However, it's important to remember that while most birth control methods are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, condoms are a form of birth control that can protect you from sexually transmitted infections. sex (STIs). Unless you and your partner are faithfully monogamous, condoms are the best way to prevent STIs.

1.1. Combination Pills If you start taking combination pills on the first day of your period, you'll be protected from pregnancy right away. However, if you don't start taking the Pill until your period starts, you'll need to wait seven days before having unprotected sex. If you have sex during this time, be sure to use contraception, like a condom, for the first week.
1.2. Progestin-only pills Women who take progestin-only pills, sometimes called mini-pills, should use a barrier method for two days after they start taking them. Likewise, if you accidentally skip a pill, you should use a backup method for the next two days to make sure you're fully protected from pregnancy.

2.1. Copper IUDs The copper IUD is fully effective from the moment it is inserted. You do not have to rely on secondary protection unless you intend to protect yourself from STIs.
2.2. Hormonal IUD Most gynecologists will wait to put the IUD in for you until the week of your expected period. If your IUD is inserted within seven days of your period starting, you will be protected from pregnancy right away. If your IUD is inserted at any other time of the month, you should use a backup barrier method for the next seven days.

The contraceptive implant is effective immediately if inserted within the first five days of menstruation. If it is inserted at any other time of the month, you will not be fully protected from pregnancy until after the first seven days and you will need to use a backup barrier method.

If you get your first injection within five days of the start of your period, you will be fully protected within 24 hours. If your first dose is used after this time frame, you should continue to use the prophylactic barrier method for the next seven days.
To stay effective, it is important that you get vaccinated every 12 weeks. If you are more than two weeks late for your follow-up visit, you should continue to use a backup method for seven days after your follow-up visit.

After you put on your first contraceptive patch, it must wait seven days before you are fully protected from pregnancy. If you choose to have sex during that time, use a secondary form of birth control.

If you put the ring in your vagina on the first day of your period, you are immediately protected from pregnancy. If you start using the IUD at any other time during the month, you should use backup contraception for the next seven days.

7.1. Male or female condoms Male and female condoms both work immediately, but must be used correctly to be most effective. This means wearing a condom before skin-to-skin contact or penetration. Immediately after ejaculation, while holding the male condom at the base of the penis, remove the condom from the penis and discard the condom. You must also use a condom every time you have sex to prevent pregnancy. As a bonus, this is the only type of birth control that can prevent the exchange of sexually transmitted diseases.
7.2. Diaphragm, cervical cap and sponge The diaphragm, cervical cap and sponge also start working right away. To be most effective, these forms of birth control need to be used correctly and appropriately. Work with your doctor to understand how to fit them and make sure they will protect you properly. If you give birth, you'll need to have your diaphragm or cervical cap refitted.

8.1. Tubal ligation A tubal ligation blocks your fallopian tubes to prevent an egg from reaching your uterus and being fertilized. Surgery works right away, but you should still wait one to two weeks before having sex. This can be, more than anything, for your own comfort.
8.2. Fallopian tube blockage Fallopian tube blockage closes the fallopian tube and prevents an egg from entering the fallopian tube and uterus. This means that the sperm cannot reach and then fertilize the egg. This procedure doesn't work right away, so you should use a secondary method of birth control for three months or until your doctor confirms that the fallopian tubes are closed.
If you are starting a new form of birth control or considering a swap, talk to your doctor. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of each method, including how long you may have to wait before being protected from pregnancy.
If in doubt, you should always use a secondary method, such as a condom. While condoms are not a consistently reliable form of birth control, they can provide an extra layer of protection against pregnancy with the benefit of reducing the risk of STIs. sex.
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Reference sources: healthline.com, healthline.com