I accidentally took 2 pills & will now be a day short in my pack & won’t be able to get a refill until November 11th, will I be unprotected if I continue with my pack and take a regular 7 day break week? -I’ve searched this on here and many have said you need 21 pills yet some have said being one pill short is okay and won’t interfere with effectiveness?

Starting your break week 1 day early is completely fine. Just make sure you don’t extend the break past 7 days.

@bluerose9 Even though I only have 3 pills left in the pack? Also, why is it when you miss a pill some advise you won’t be protected and should skip break week if it’s also only 20 pills?

@Starboy yep. They advise that because they are uneducated on how the pill works. On the combined pill, taking 7 pills correctly will leave your hormone levels high enough to protect you for 7 days of no pill taking.

I’d really recommend looking at this post - mypillapp://post/baacqi2wG As my comment doesn’t fully explain it.

Apparently I can’t link other posts anymore 🙄 do you want me to copy and paste what the post said?

Thank you so much, and I’d appreciate it ! @bluerose9 😊

"After having taken at least seven pills at the correct time, women are at little risk for ovulation until they have missed seven consecutive pills." This quote is from the 19th edition of a Contraceptive Technology textbook. Following this simple statement is always the question- "So how come I am not allowed to miss a pill in week two or three? Clearly this is not the case with my pill." To begin explaining this, it is important to note that indeed, all pamphlets are over cautious when it comes to missed pills occurring mid-packet. This is because women already find the current missed pill rules difficult and sometimes complicated to understand. The more simple the rules, the more likely women are to adhere to them. Therefore most pill guidance is given using a 'blanket effect' that covers all the bases and is as simple as possible. It is also as safe as possible.

So, when a woman misses 1 pill in week 2, what is her risk the following 7 days? No matter what her pamphlet says- very low. If a woman loses one pill in her pack, can she just take tomorrow's pill and continue on as if nothing has happened? Yes. No matter what COC she is on. In fact for many pamphlets that address this specific issue, like Mercilon or Co-cyprindiol, this is the recommended advice. The difference between 20 and 21 active pills before a 7 day break is insignificant.

That basically explains it - obviously you should take your pills as instructed in general, this is only relevant for missed pills/being short pills in your pack etc!!

@bluerose9 okay thank you so much, it was very helpful (:

@Starboy no problem!