Took placebo a week before my first mini-pill. Will it work?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am switching from a combined pill to POPs. I am switching due to a history of chronic migraines and the estrogen in the combined pill was not helping my migraines. I was instructed to take the placebo pill a week before starting the POPs, so I did. But now, after taking the first mini pill, I am reading that I should have started before the placebo week. I have already started my first week of POPs. So, how will they be affected? Will they still work? Should I use a backup method for a few weeks?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The idea is if you are switching from combined pills then during the placebo week you should be getting a withdrawal bleed. It shall indicate the start of a fresh cycle and then from day 2 of your cycle you can easily start your mini-pill pack (Progesterone pills). If you have done so, then there is no need of any backup. Just, continue the mini-pill pack. If menses have not occurred and you started pill earlier, then still backup would not be required, but you may experience menses only after end of the mini-pill pack. Importantly, you should know that these pills have to be taken on time as you may easily experience intermenstrual spotting if next pill intake is delayed.