Can i start the pill safely on day 3?

Hi,

This is my first post. My partner and I have been deciding whether or not to go on the pill and decided to go give it a try as from the start of my next cycle, which should have come today (Friday).

As fate would have it, my period came earlier on Wednesday evening but it's only today that I been able to collect the pills. I know the first pill should be taken on the the first day of the cycle and I'll be protected straight away, but today it's already day 3.

My question is will I be protected straight away and if not, how many days do i need to wait to have unprotected sex? Or should I wait till my next cycle to start properly on the first day?

Thanks