Ask the Nurse

I have been taking birth control for a few months now. I accidentally dropped one down the sink so I took the next day one instead. Then that week I started my period even though I was still on the blue pills. I was reading that if you forget to take them the right way to throw out the current pack and start a new one, but I am still bleeding (not as heavy) but still enough to have to wear a pad or tampon. Is this still normal since it has only been 3 months since I started taking birth control again (I am 42)?


If you have spotting despite restarting your pills after skipped days and this is bothersome or you have missed more than 3 pills, just stop the active pills and allow yourself to have a 4-7 day menstrual period and start a fresh pack after that. You can always refer to the package insert or check on the pills website for more specific details.

It does depend on the amount of hormones in each pill, but generally if you miss one pill - you should take that skipped pill when you remember and then the next pill at your regularly scheduled time. (You may take 2 pills in 1 day.)

If you forget 2 pills you should take 2 pills when you remember and 2 pills the following day and then continue as normal. Remember if you have missed more than 2 pills you need backup contraception for 1 week (condoms, diaphragm, abstinence).

All My Best,
Speaking of Women's Health Nurse

August 23, 2011 at 5:19pm