Most birth control pills work in much the same way by preventing the release of an egg, which makes pregnancy impossible. Each pill comes with its own set of instructions, but most pills are taken in the same manner. Combination pills, or those with both estrogen and progestin, come in 21-day or 28-day packs. The progestin-only pills are generally in 28-day packs. Newer versions of birth control pills come in larger packs that prevent a period for several months in addition to protecting against pregnancy. Women who have questions about taking the pill should consult a health care provider.
Step 1
Begin the pill pack as discussed with a health care provider. Typically a woman can start on any day of the month but starting the Sunday, or any day, after her period is another common way to start the pill pack.
Step 2
Take one pill per day at the same time, which would mean taking a pill every 24 hours. Continue taking one pill a day until the end of the pill pack. For combination pills, this may mean taking 21 active, or hormone-containing pills, and then taking seven inactive reminder pills during the week of menstruation. Women taking the progestin-only pill will take one pill every day for 28 days before the pack has ended. The extended pill packs, such as the 91-day pill, are taken in the same manner as the 28-day combination pills. One pill is taken each day until the pack is empty.
Step 3
Refill the prescription at least a few days before the current pack is empty. Begin the new pack on the Sunday after the menstrual period, or on the 29th day after starting the first pack. For 91-day birth control pills, this will mean starting a new pack before the fourth menstrual period.
Step 4
Use a backup birth control method for 48 hours following one missed pill. Make up the missed pill as soon as it is remembered and take the next pill at the regularly scheduled time. If two pills are missed, take one as soon as remembered in addition to the regularly scheduled pill but take two pills at the time of the regularly scheduled pill the next day. A backup birth control method should also be used. If three pills are missed in a row, YoungWomensHealth.org recommends taking one pill per day until it is time to take the reminder pills. Throw out the reminder pills and begin a new pack of pills. A backup birth control method should be used until seven pills have been taken on time. This does not apply to progestin-only pills, as these should only be taken one per day.
Tips and Warnings
- Missing pills can cause spotting or menstrual irregularities. Continued taking the pill as scheduled but report any prolonged side effects to a health care provider.
- In the event that a woman has missed the birth control pill and has unprotected sex, an emergency contraceptive pill pack can be requested from a pharmacy in some states or via prescription from a health care provider. This pill can be taken up to five days or 120 hours of having unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy, explains the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
