Family Planning Plus

The birth control pill cycle is set up to have you taking 21 days of hormone pills, then 7 days of hormone free pills. The hormone free pills are also referred to as “sugar” pills or “placebo” pills. 

 Since the pills work to thin the uterine lining, period bleeding may become shorter and lighter. The reason why women who are on the pills have a period is because of the lack of hormones during that last week. This “withdrawal bleed” can begin anytime within those 7 days. How long it takes for bleeding to occur is individual. Some women start bleeding on the second pill, some may start as late as the 4th or 5th pill. Any bleeding during the hormone free week is considered a period. Additionally, it is not uncommon for consistent pill users to skip a period every so often.

If you have taken your pills correctly and consistently, then your risk of pregnancy is low. Wait a few more days to see if you start bleeding. Continue taking your pills and be sure to begin a new pill pack on time. Your period should show up with the next cycle.

If you have not been consistent in taking your pills everyday, this can decrease their effectiveness. If you do not have any bleeding, and this is the case, you may want to do a pregnancy test, either at home or at a clinic.