new pill packet question - Birth Control Message Board

SolarRuca · 06-20-2005, 04:17 PM

I went on the pill two days ago, Apri, and I read the whole instructions packet. It told me that after I had started the pill, I have to use backup contraception for seven days after I start it. That's not that problem. But what about when I start a new packet? Do I have to use backup contraception for seven days after that too? Or does this just apply to people JUST starting the pill???

Daisies4monkeys · 06-20-2005, 04:35 PM

The seven day rule only applies when starting your FIRST pack of pills, or when you've missed more then one pill, or when you've started a new pack late.

So, if you miss two pills in a row, you need to use back up until you've taken seven hormone-containing (ie not the placebo) pills in a row. If you are a day late starting a new pack, you also need to take seven hormone-containing pills in a row before having sex without back-up.

If you take your pills daily and on-time and start each new pack on time, then don't worry -- the seven day rule doesn't apply.