Family Planning Plus

During the first few months of birth control pill use, menstrual irregularities are common, and you may or may not have bleeding during your placebo pills. It’s important that you remember to take your pills at the same time every day for maximum protection. As long as you have been taking your pills on time and as long as you’ve finished at least one week of hormone pills, you will have continual contraceptive protection (even when taking your placebo pills). The most important pill to remember, however, is always the first hormone pill in your new pack. If you forget that pill, you are extending your hormone free period which may lower your hormone levels and allow you to ovulate (release an egg).

Of course, no birth control method is 100% effective and so pregnancy is always a possibility. However, as long as you are taking your pills as directed, your risk of pregnancy is extremely low.