Pill Query

Former Member

Ok so i have been on the pill for over a year now (Microgynon 30), and on a few occasions i have run packets together which i know is safe to do, i also heard it is ok to shorten your beaks of the pill, ie not have a full 7 day break, apperently.

So my question is Would it be ok to have 2 or 3 days without taking a pill after finishing a packet and then start another packet of pills, ie will i be protected, now i was wondering because what is so special about the 7 day break, and when you miss a pill normally you are told to use back up cotraception for 7 days so why would this not be the case now.
What is so special about 21 pills as oppesed to 15 pills or 35 pills and the 7 day break as opposed to a 3 day one.

So basically i think what i am trying to say is Can i shorten my break to being 3 days without taking a pill, and will i then be protected, or if not will i have to use back up contraception and treat it like a missed pill?

Thanks, i'm normally good with this kind of stuff

Former Member

Re: Re: Pill Query

Originally posted by Groovaybaby


Or are you saying you only want to take a 3 day break instead of 7

Yeah thats what i mean, take a full 21 pills out of the packet, have a 3 day break and then go on to take another full 21 pills.

Former Member

It wouldn't shorten your period so there isn't really any point. After you take your last pill it takes 2-3 days for the bleeding to commence and your system will get rid of it all regardless of whether you begin to take your pill again. If you don't want a period then run the packs together as you've been doing.

It is generally advised that you only run three packs together at a time though.

Former Member

I've never heard of anyone doing this before. To be safe, I think you should talk to your GP before doing it. Or you could call one of the following:

Brook Advisory Centres
Advice, counselling and medical help around contraception, pregnancy, abortion and sexual health.
Telephone: 0800 0185023
www.brook.org.uk

Family Planning Association
Information service on family planning and all aspects of sexual health.
Helpline: 0845 3101334
www.fpa.org.uk