How Do I Take Birth Control Pills?

How Do I Take Birth Control Pills?

It depends on what kind of pill you are taking. Most combination pills come in 28-day or 21-day packs. Both types have 21 "active" pills that contain hormones. The last seven pills in 28-day packs of combination pills are called "reminder" pills. They do not contain hormones.

In 21-day packs, one pill is taken every day for three weeks in a row. No pills are taken for the next week, and then a new pack of pills is started.

Some combination pills contain a few months’ worth of active pills. They are specially packaged to reduce the number of periods a woman has each year. Women can also take the active pills in 21-day or 28-day packs continuously to reduce how often they have periods. 

Progestin-only pills come only in 28-day packs. All progestin-only pills are active.

With combination pills, you’ll get your period during the fourth week — unless you choose to avoid menstruation by using active combination pills during the fourth week, as well.

With progestin-only pills, you may

• get your period the fourth week
• get no periods
• have bleeding on and off throughout the month

The hormones in birth control pills prevent pregnancy throughout the entire month — even during the fourth week.

Helpful Tips About Birth Control Pills Taking the pill at the same time each day makes it more effective. Pick a time of day that is easy to remember. You might find it helpful to take it when you do something else you do every day — like brushing your teeth or eating dinner. Many women set an alarm on their cell phones or watches. A missed period does not always mean you are pregnant, especially if you have not skipped any pills. Even though the chance of pregnancy is very low, you may want to take a pregnancy test if you miss two periods in a row. Talk with your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns while using the pill. There is a very slight chance that you will become pregnant even if you take the pill as directed. It is unlikely that taking the pill during early pregnancy will increase the risk of birth defects. However, the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy is greater if you become pregnant while taking the progestin-only pill. If you decide you want to become pregnant, stop taking the pill. It’s possible to get pregnant right after stopping. It usually takes about one or two months for your period to return to the cycle you had before taking the pill.