the 28-Day Birth Control Pill: Timing and Usage Tips

28-day contraceptive pill

Hello, your girlfriend has been taking the 28-day oral contraceptive pill for two consecutive months.
She took the first 21 pills and then forgot to bring back the remaining 5 pills from the last 7 pills.
On the day she was supposed to take the third pill from the last 7, her period started (the first day she forgot to take it).
Today is the second day of her period and also the second day she forgot to take the last 7 pills.
Should she wait until the fifth day of her period to start a new pack?

An, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/02/28

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Your girlfriend has been taking the 28-day oral contraceptive pill for two consecutive months.
She completed the first 21 pills but forgot to bring back the remaining 5 pills from the last 7 pills.
On the first day of her missed pills, she got her period.
Today is the second day of her period and also the second day of forgetting to take the last 7 pills.
Should she wait until the fifth day of her period to start a new pack?
Answer: Yes, she should wait until the fifth day of her period to start the new pack.

Reply Date: 2019/02/28

More Info

When it comes to understanding the 28-day birth control pill regimen, it's essential to grasp how these pills work and the best practices for their usage. The 28-day pack typically consists of 21 active pills (which contain hormones) and 7 inactive pills (placebos). The active pills are taken for three weeks, followed by a week of placebo pills during which a withdrawal bleed, similar to a menstrual period, occurs.

In your situation, your girlfriend has been taking the pill consistently for two months but missed two doses of the placebo pills. This can lead to confusion regarding when to start a new pack. Here’s a breakdown of what to do:
1. Continue with the Current Pack: Since she is currently on the placebo pills and has missed two doses, she should continue taking the placebo pills until the end of the pack. The placebo pills are designed to allow for a withdrawal bleed, which is similar to a menstrual period.

2. Starting a New Pack: After finishing the placebo pills, she should start a new pack of active pills, regardless of whether she has her period or not. It’s important to start the new pack on time to maintain the effectiveness of the birth control.

3. Timing and Effectiveness: If she has missed any active pills (the first 21 pills), it’s crucial to follow the instructions provided with the pill pack. Generally, if she misses one active pill, she should take it as soon as she remembers and continue with the rest of the pack as usual. If she misses two or more active pills, she may need to use backup contraception (like condoms) for at least seven days after resuming the active pills.

4. When to Expect Menstruation: The withdrawal bleed typically occurs during the placebo week. If she starts the new pack after the placebo pills, she may or may not have her period, which is normal. Some women experience lighter periods or skip them altogether while on the pill.

5. Consulting a Healthcare Provider: If there are any concerns about missed pills, irregular bleeding, or any side effects, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and ensure that the birth control method is being used effectively.

6. Understanding Hormonal Birth Control: It’s also important to understand that hormonal birth control works by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. Consistency is key to maintaining its effectiveness, so setting reminders or using a pill organizer can help prevent missed doses in the future.

In summary, your girlfriend should finish the current pack of placebo pills and start a new pack of active pills immediately after. There’s no need to wait for the fifth day of her period to start the new pack. Consistency in taking the pills is crucial for their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. If there are any uncertainties or issues, consulting a healthcare provider is always the best course of action.

Similar Q&A

Understanding the Effectiveness of 28-Day Birth Control Pills

Hello, regarding the question about the contraceptive pill from yesterday, I chose to purchase a 28-day contraceptive pill. The pharmacist told me that since this is my first time taking contraceptive pills, I need to finish all 28 days before achieving contraceptive effectivenes...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, regarding the question about the emergency contraceptive pill from yesterday, I chose to purchase a 28-day contraceptive pill. The pharmacist informed me that since this is my first time taking contraceptive pills, I need to finish all 28 days before achieving contraceptiv...

First Time Taking Birth Control Pills: Key Guidelines for Safe Use

If a woman starts taking birth control pills on the fifth day of her menstrual cycle, she should take the pills for a full seven days before relying on them for contraceptive protection. After completing the first seven days of taking the pills consistently, she can have unprotec...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, if taken as directed, it will be effective for contraception. Wishing you good health.

Understanding the Best Timing for Taking Birth Control Pills

Taking the oral contraceptive pill "Yue Ji" as advised by the pharmacist, you start taking it on the third day of your menstrual cycle after finishing the first pack, and then continue this pattern after a 7-day break. The pharmacist later mentioned that you could also ...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, oral contraceptives are typically started on the fourth or fifth day of the menstrual cycle. Wishing you good health.

Understanding the Risks of Overusing Birth Control Pills: What You Need to Know

At the beginning of last year, I was taking a 28-day birth control pill. After a while, due to a shortage, I switched to a 21-day pack, but I didn't understand how to take the 21 pills properly. So, I ended up taking them continuously every day until August of this year. I k...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, it is recommended to finish this pack and then take a seven-day break. After completing the 21 pills of the oral contraceptive, you should rest for seven days, during which your menstrual period will occur. Oral contraceptives must be taken at th...