HomeAnswersObstetrics and Gynecologycombined oral contraceptive pillWhen should the next pack of OCP be started?

Can I take a break before starting next pack of ocp?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At April 6, 2016
Reviewed AtJune 21, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am using OCP for last 4-5 months. In my last cycle I took active pills for 22 days. But took two OCPs each day from day 19 to day 22. Along with this took an i-pill on day 18 of OCP cycle. On 5th day of pill free break got withdrawal bleeding. I want to know when to start the next pack to remain protected without requiring any backup method? Can I start after 7 day of last pill or day 3 of withdrawal bleed or day 2 of withdrawal bleed? Please let me know if day 2 start and day 3 start are same or not. If in any cycle, I take active pills for 22 or 23 days to delay withdrawal bleed a little, then take a break and start next pack on 2nd or 3rd day of withdrawal bleed, is it fine?

Thank you in advance.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Following are answer to your queries.

You can start next pack of active pill anytime between day two and day five. It does not matter much on which day you start it. You will still be protected against pregnancy as long as you do not miss pills. Mostly you will be getting withdrawal bleeding within seven days. But, if you do not get one, preferred option would be to use some other contraception till withdrawal and start pills on day two or three. It is fine to take pills for extended duration to prolong withdrawal. There are pills which can be taken break free for nine months to avoid withdrawal, with almost no side effect and again to restart on day two or three. It does no harm to you.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

Taking an i-pill while on OCP lead to ovulation or pregnancy? If i-pill is taken two times in two consecutive weeks in an OCP cycle any adverse effects will occur? Does taking 2 OCP in a day cause any major problem? Will it not lead to ovulation? Is it safe to take Softeron and Neurobion while on OCP? Will it affect OCP efficiency? Started next pack of OCPs on day three of withdrawal bleeding. In total had six pill free days. So, is the protection got immediately? It does not require any backup right?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Following are response to your queries.

Taking i-pill while on OCP (oral contraceptive) is not necessary. It will not cause ovulation or pregnancy. Expected adverse effects are excessive nausea, vomiting and sometimes irregular bleeding. Capsule Softeron (combination of Ferrous fumarate and Folic acid) and Tablet Neurobion (vitamin B) do not affect the efficiency of OCP. You can take them while on OCP. Protection is immediate and does not require any backup.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

default Img
Dr. Dattaprasad Balasaheb Inamdar

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Obstetrics and Gynecology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy