How long does it take the pill to kick in? Say I start the pill on Monday. Can I have unprotected sex on Friday?

woman hand holding contraceptive pillsNo, you will not be protected from STIs or pregnancy. Birth control pills do not protect a woman from sexually transmitted infections.  Birth control pills protect from pregnancy after 7 days of use but it’s best to use a backup method (condoms) for the first month after starting the Pill (to be safe). It is very important to use condoms anytime you have sexual intercourse, when you are taking other medications that change the effectiveness of the Pill, or when you are sick with diarrhea or vomiting. Anytime you take a new medicine or supplement, ask your health care provider if it changes the effectiveness of the birth control pill.