Teen FAQ
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Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Birth Control & Safer Sex > When to start pills
Posted on: 02/28/2007
Question
When should I start taking birth control pills before having sex (for the first time), 2-3 weeks prior? Thanks!
Answer
Our doctors usually suggest that you go through an entire cycle (or package of pills) before you count on the protection, but remember that pills only protect against pregnancy, so it is a good idea to use a condom, too - to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.