Initiation of combined oral contraceptive (pill) (COCs), the patch and the combined contraceptive vaginal ring (CVR). A woman may be provided with COCs, patches or CVRs in advance with appropriate instructions on initiation, provided she is medically eligible. Medically eligible and menstrual cycles have not returned: COCs, the patch and the CVR can be initiated immediately if it is reasonably certain that the woman is not pregnant. She will need to abstain from sex or use additional contraceptive protection for the next 7 days.
