How to Properly Start Your Second Pack of Birth Control Pills

How to take the second pack of birth control pills?

I apologize, but I just finished a pack of Yejina yesterday.
Should I start the next pack in 7 days or on the fifth day of my menstrual cycle? If it’s on the fifth day of my cycle, what if it has already been over ten days? Will it have any impact? Thank you for your response, doctor.

Xun, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/15

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

What you need is not medical consultation but rather a refresher on sexual health knowledge.
For such questions, it is recommended to refer to the National Health Service's "Sexual Wellness e-Learning" or the Obstetrics and Gynecology Society's "Adolescent Contraceptive Guidance Consultation" at http://goo.gl/dc6PfW.
Hello, the oral contraceptive pill must be taken consistently every day at the same time to achieve its effectiveness, especially during the first 12 days of use, as missing doses can significantly reduce contraceptive efficacy.
Typically, it is recommended to start taking the pill on the fifth day of your menstrual cycle (some products suggest starting on the first day, depending on the product).
If you are using a 21-pill pack, take one pill daily in the order indicated for 21 consecutive days, and you will have a withdrawal bleed during the 2-4 days after stopping the pills for 7 days.
If you are using a 28-pill pack (with the last 7 pills being placebo), your menstrual period will occur during those last 7 days, so you should start the next pack immediately after finishing the 28-pill pack.
If you forget to take a pill for one day, it is best to take it as soon as possible within 12 hours, and continue taking the remaining pills at the usual time (taking two pills that day).
If you forget to take the pill for two consecutive days, you should take two pills each day for the next two days, and then resume taking one pill daily until the pack is finished.
If you miss three or more pills, the contraceptive effectiveness for that month is compromised, and you should stop taking the remaining pills, wait a few days for your menstrual period to start, and then begin a new pack on the first day (or fifth day) of your next menstrual cycle.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.

Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2016/06/15

More Info

When it comes to starting your second pack of birth control pills, it's essential to follow the guidelines provided by your healthcare provider and the instructions that come with the medication. Generally, the standard protocol for most combination birth control pills, including those like "悦己" (Yueji), is to take the first pill of the new pack after a seven-day break following the completion of the previous pack. However, there are specific nuances to consider based on your individual situation.

1. Timing of Starting the Second Pack: After finishing your first pack of 21 pills, you typically have a seven-day break during which you do not take any pills. This break is designed to allow for a withdrawal bleed, which is similar to a menstrual period. After this seven-day break, you should start your second pack regardless of whether your period has ended or not. This means that you do not need to wait for your period to be over; you simply start taking the new pack on the eighth day after finishing the first pack.

2. Starting on the Fifth Day of Your Period: Some healthcare providers may suggest starting the second pack on the fifth day of your menstrual cycle, especially if you are starting the first pack during your period. However, this is not the standard recommendation for those who have completed a full cycle of pills and are taking a break. If you have already completed the first pack and are on a break, you should adhere to the seven-day break rule and start the new pack on the eighth day.

3. What If Your Period Is Late?: If you find that your period has not arrived by the time you are due to start your second pack, you should still begin taking the new pack on the eighth day after finishing the first pack. The effectiveness of the birth control pill will not be compromised as long as you follow the schedule of taking the pills consistently. If you have concerns about a missed period, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy, especially if you have had unprotected intercourse during the previous cycle.

4. Impact of Delayed Start: If you delay starting the second pack beyond the recommended time frame (i.e., more than seven days after finishing the first pack), it can affect the contraceptive effectiveness. If you miss the start date, you may need to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for at least the first seven days of taking the new pack.

5. Consulting Your Healthcare Provider: If you have any uncertainties or specific health conditions that may affect how you should take your birth control pills, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current health status.

In summary, you should start your second pack of birth control pills on the eighth day after finishing the first pack, regardless of whether your period has arrived or not. If you have any concerns about missed periods or the timing of your pills, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider for tailored advice. Always remember that consistent and correct use of birth control pills is key to maintaining their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy.

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