How long do i have to wait???

So okay, i really don't wanna sound like a huge idiot but for my whole sex life all i've used as far as contraceptives go, has been condoms. Recently i went to the obgyn and she suggested i begin a birth control pill. I've got it now and am going to start it this sunday. But my real question is, how long do i have to wait to have sex without a condom? I have 0 idea how the pill even works. Is there a certain amount of days before I'll be "safe"? I just don't wanna end up pregnant before i'd like to, yknow.