When to Start Your Next Birth Control Pill Pack

Emergency contraceptive pill

Hello doctor, I started taking my first pack of 21-day birth control pills on March 7 (the fifth day of my period).
I finished the pack on March 27 and got my period on March 30.
Should I start my next pack on April 3 (the fifth day of my period) or on April 4 (after a 21-day course followed by a 7-day break)?

HJ, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/03/30

Dr. Liu Fuping reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Birth control pills have both benefits and drawbacks.
It is recommended to consult a gynecologist for detailed information about the medication and usage instructions, and to follow the directions on the packaging.
Generally, for a 21-pill regimen, the pills should be taken daily at the same time for 21 consecutive days.
After a seven-day break from the pills, you can start the next pack.
During this seven-day break, withdrawal bleeding (not a menstrual period) typically occurs, usually about 2-3 days after finishing the last pill, and may not have concluded by the time you start the next pack.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2024/03/30

More Info

When it comes to starting your next pack of birth control pills, it's essential to follow the guidelines specific to the type of pill you are using. In your case, since you began taking a 21-day birth control pill pack on March 7 and completed it on March 27, you should be aware of the timing for starting your next pack.

Typically, for a 21-day pill regimen, you take one pill daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break during which you usually experience a withdrawal bleed (similar to a menstrual period). After this 7-day break, you start the next pack. Therefore, if your last pill was taken on March 27, you would not take any pills during the week following that, and you would start your next pack on April 3, which is the fifth day of your next cycle.

To clarify, you should start the next pack on April 3, not April 4. This is because the standard protocol for 21-day pills is to resume taking the pills after the 7-day break, regardless of whether your period has ended or not. The timing is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of the birth control method.
It's also important to note that if you have been taking your pills consistently and correctly, you should have continuous contraceptive protection. If you start the next pack on April 3, you will maintain that protection without needing to wait for another 7 days.
If you happen to miss a pill or start a new pack late, it could affect your contraceptive effectiveness. In such cases, it’s advisable to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for at least 7 days after starting the new pack.
In summary, for your situation:
1. Start your next pack of birth control pills on April 3.

2. Continue taking one pill daily for the next 21 days.

3. After completing the second pack, take a 7-day break before starting the next pack.

If you have any further questions or concerns about your birth control method or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific health needs and circumstances.

Similar Q&A

When to Start the Next Pack of Birth Control After a Delay?

You took your first dose of the medication on June 7th and were supposed to start the next pack on July 5th. However, it is now July 10th and you have not taken it yet. When should you start the next pack?

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
You should start taking the next box of Yejih on July 12th.

Starting a New Birth Control Pack: Key Considerations and Timing

After finishing the last pill of your current birth control pack on December 30, January 6 is the seventh day without taking any pills. Should I start a new pack of birth control today, or wait until January 7? Does it matter that the new brand is different from the one I was pre...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
You should take the new pack of birth control pills today, as it is the seventh day without taking the pills. It does not matter if the brand is different; it will not affect the effectiveness of the contraception. Please note that you started taking the birth control pills in No...

Understanding Birth Control Pills: When to Start Your Next Pack

Doctor, I started taking my first pack of birth control pills (Mizolut) on September 14, so I finished the last pill on October 4. When should I start taking my second pack? Also, I haven't gotten my period this month; could it be delayed because of the birth control pills? ...

Dr. Zhuang Zhijian reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, Miss: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. After stopping the medication, you should start taking the next cycle of pills on the eighth day (a total of seven days without medication). 2. If you have been taking the medication on schedule,...

How to Properly Start Your Second Pack of Birth Control Pills

I would like to ask about my menstrual cycle. My period started on December 9, and I began taking the oral contraceptive pill. I finished one pack of the pill, Prilosec, last week, and my period is expected to start on January 7. Normally, after finishing the first pack, I would ...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
My period started on December 9, so I began taking the oral contraceptive pill. I finished one pack of Qlaira last week, and my period is expected to start on January 7. Normally, I would stop taking the pills for 7 days after finishing the first pack and start again on the eight...