When should I start my oral contraceptive?Updated a year ago

There are several different ways to start your oral contraceptive for the first time. You can either 

(1) Start on the first day of your period, 

(2) Start on the first Sunday after your period begins (as lots of pill packs start on Sundays), 

(3) Start on the 5th day after your period begins, or

(4) Start as soon as you receive your oral contraceptive. It is important to note that if you start on the 5th day after your period begins, you will need to use back-up contraception such as a condom for 7 days.