Does birth control work the minute I get it?

It depends on the method. Some forms of birth control including the pill, patch, ring, shot, and implant are not effective immediately after you start using them, but most IUDs are (and so are methods that you only use when you have sex, like a condom). To be sure, check with a health care provider before having sex without another method of birth control.

Still not working?

If you aren’t sure, check with a health care provider before having sex without another method of birth control. In the meantime, you can use another method, like condoms to prevent pregnancy.