Can I Start a New Birth Control Pack After Missing My Period?

Can I eat another box right after finishing 28 pills?

Hello, here's the situation: I started taking the medication in February, and I had my period in both February and March.
However, in April, I switched medications and took emergency contraception within 7 days, which resulted in my period not coming in April.
After finishing the 28th pill, my period still didn't arrive, so I immediately started a new pack the next day.
By mid-May, I still hadn't gotten my period, and I was anxious, so I went to see a gynecologist.
The doctor there advised that if I finish a pack and my period doesn't come, I should not start another pack and should see a doctor first; I can only start taking the preemptive medication once my period arrives.
At the end of May, after finishing the 28 pills, my period came the next day, and I started the first pill of the new pack.
Now, I'm facing the same situation again; I finished the last pill yesterday, and my period still hasn't come.
Since I plan to go out with my boyfriend this weekend and we might have unprotected intercourse, I don't want to stop the medication.
I won't have time to see a gynecologist before Thursday, and I took a pregnancy test this morning, which was negative.
Should I start the new pack today? Also, I bought a new box but accidentally got the wrong brand.
Will I still have protection within 7 days? Does this mean I won't be able to be intimate with my boyfriend this weekend? Haha.

Xiao Xiao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/06/26

Dr. Chen Zhiyu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Emergency contraceptive pills need to be taken regularly to effectively prevent pregnancy.
If menstrual cycles are irregular, it is advisable to first regulate them.
It is recommended to engage in safe sexual practices throughout to avoid the risks of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2024/06/26

More Info

When it comes to starting a new birth control pack after missing your period, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Based on the information you provided, it seems you have been using birth control pills consistently, but have encountered issues with your menstrual cycle, particularly in April and now again recently.
First and foremost, if you have completed a full pack of birth control pills and your period has not arrived, it is generally recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new pack. This is especially important if you have missed your period for an extended time, as it could indicate a potential pregnancy or other underlying health issues. However, since you have already taken a pregnancy test and it came back negative, this alleviates some concerns regarding pregnancy.

In your specific situation, since you have finished your last pack and your period has not come, you can start the new pack of birth control pills. The general guideline is that if you have completed a full cycle of pills (28 days for most packs) and your period has not started, you can begin the next pack immediately. This is often referred to as "continuous use" of birth control pills, which some women choose to do to skip their periods for convenience or personal reasons.

Regarding your concern about the new pack being a different brand, it is crucial to understand that different brands of birth control pills may have different hormone compositions. If you have purchased a different brand, it is advisable to check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to ensure that the new pills will provide the same level of contraceptive protection as your previous ones. If the new brand is similar in hormone content, you should be able to continue taking it without significant issues. However, if the hormone levels differ, it may affect your cycle and contraceptive effectiveness.

As for your immediate concern about having unprotected sex over the weekend, if you start the new pack today, you should be protected from pregnancy after taking the pills consistently for seven days. This means that if you take the first pill today and continue taking them as directed, you should have adequate protection by the time the weekend arrives. However, if you are unsure about the new brand's effectiveness or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it may be wise to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, until you are certain about the new pills.

In summary, you can start the new pack of birth control pills today, especially since you have confirmed that you are not pregnant. Make sure to monitor your body for any changes and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if your period does not arrive after a few cycles. It's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to reproductive health. Enjoy your weekend, and make sure to prioritize your health and well-being!

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