Does skipping placebo contraceptive pills alter its effect?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been taking Ortho Tri-Cyclen Lo for approximately two years. I recently skipped the placebo pills for the first time and started with a new pack as I had to delay my periods for an upcoming trip. However, I read on the internet that this can be ineffective. I am on the 4th day of the new pack and have not yet started my period. I also had unprotected sex today.

1. Can skipping the period and starting a new pack makes the pill less effective?

2. I understand the beginning of the pack is a lighter dose. I have purchased a plan B. Is this something I should take to avoid a possible pregnancy?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

If you skip the placebo pills and continue the hormone pills, your periods will be delayed till you are taking the pills. This is because the menstrual cycle occurs when your female hormones fall abruptly, which happens when you take the placebo pills. But you might still have breakthrough bleeding if you continue to take hormone pills for a long duration as the thickened endometrial layer might not survive on its blood supply and starts shedding. However, it will not be less effective if you continue to take those pills. If you take the pills, your ovulation will be suppressed, resulting in infertility. But for health reasons, you should not prolong taking these pills at a stretch for more than 45 days unless indicated in some diseases like endometriosis. Thus I do not think plan B is necessary.

I hope my answer was helpful to you.

Thank you.