Forgot Birth Control Pills and Started Period Early – What to Do?
Hello Doctor,
I forgot to bring my birth control pills with me while traveling and missed two days. When I got back home, I took two pills at once to catch up. After that, I started my period immediately, even though my period wasn’t supposed to come until the end of the month. Should I continue taking the rest of my current pack as usual, even though I’m not on the sugar pills yet, or should I start a new pack? I'm worried about how this might affect my cycle and protection.
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
1. It’s best to start a new pack to maintain proper hormone levels and ensure continued protection. Taking two pills at once can sometimes trigger breakthrough bleeding, which is likely what you're experiencing. However, this does not necessarily mean your cycle is fully reset. Starting a new pack now will help regulate your cycle and prevent any further disruption.
2. If you are sexually active, consider using backup contraception (like condoms) for the next seven days, as missing two pills may reduce effectiveness. If you experience prolonged bleeding, severe pain, or other concerning symptoms, consult a doctor for further guidance.
Thanks
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