I have been taking mircette for about 6 years. I have NEVER taken the sugar pills. I only take the white pills for 3 weeks and then the 4 week I take nothing. I am getting married in May and I was wondering if I am still protected during this 4th week...when I am taking no pills. Let me know what you think. Thanks!

Those pills that are for the 4th week are only there to keep you taking the pill regularly. Most women cannot go without taking them, because they might miss taking them again on time. They are a placebo. I think you are 99.9% covered during that week.

yea you are supposed to be protected during that fourth week because you aren't supposed to ovulate at all (produce an egg to be fertilized) and so there is no mature egg to be fertilized anyway it just goes out through the blood. I am paranoid so I use protection during that week, but really you are safe.

I also take mircette, (actually its generic kariva). You should still be protected that week even if you don't take them. The package insert says if any of those are missed, to throw them away. To correct the last response...Only the first 2 tablets in week 4 are placebos, the other 5 are half-strength ethinyl estradiol (estrogen), which in theory is supposed to cause less breakthrough bleeding/better cycle control, and a decreased risk of pregnancy if you miss tablet #1. But unfortunately there is no clinical data to back this up. Personally, I think I bleed less if I take the last 5 tablets than when I don't.