Should i start choice

You may experience a little discomfort when your device is put in place, and some people can experience a few temporary or less commonly ongoing side effects such as weight gain, headaches and soreness.

But many women find the benefits of low-maintenance, long-term birth control to be well worth it. Condoms, sponges, diaphragms, cervical caps and spermicide are all barrier birth control methods.

Additionally, condoms help protect against STIs, the only birth control method to do so. You need to use it every time you have sex and also need to use barrier contraception correctly for it to be most effective. But you can also combine methods for greater effectiveness. Talk to your doctor for specifics. Tubal ligation for women or vasectomy for men are relatively simple surgical procedures intended to make pregnancy impossible.

Recovery time from these procedures usually takes only a few days. If you have sex without using birth control — or your birth control fails — emergency contraception can help prevent pregnancy.

Either may be taken for up to 5 days after unprotected intercourse. Ulipristal is taken as a single tablet. It may be taken up to 5 days after unprotected sex. Birth control pills may also be used: Talk to your provider about the correct dosage. In general, you must take 2 to 5 birth control pills at the same time to have the same protection.

IUD placement is another option: It must be inserted by your provider within 5 days of having unprotected sex. The IUD that is used contains a small amount of copper. Your doctor can remove it after your next period. You may also choose to leave it in place to provide ongoing birth control.

You should not use emergency contraception if: You think you have been pregnant for several days. You have vaginal bleeding for an unknown reason talk to your provider first.

Emergency contraception may cause side effects. Most are mild. They may include: Changes in menstrual bleeding Fatigue Headache Nausea and vomiting After you use emergency contraception, your next menstrual cycle may start earlier or later than usual. Most women get their next period within 7 days of the expected date. If you do not get your period within 3 weeks after taking emergency contraception, you might be pregnant. Contact your provider. Alternative Names. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Top of the page. Topic Overview Birth control pills come in packs. How to start your first pack of pills There are several ways you can start taking your first pack of pills. Talk with your doctor about when to start taking your pills: Quick start. During your medical appointment, take your first pill as soon as you get the pack from your doctor.

Take the second pill the next day. During the first 7 days of pills, use a backup method of birth control, like a condom. Sunday start. Pick a Sunday to take your first pill, so that you do not have periods on the weekends. Fifth-day start. On the fifth day of your menstrual period, take your first pill.