missing a pill

[bushbaby_de]

I inadvertently missed a pill yesterday. I know the pack says to take extra precautions for the next 7 days as you may no longer be covered. But this got me thinking - most people take a 7 day break between pill packets to have a 'period' before starting their next pack, and there's no warning that you aren't covered for this break. So why does missing just one pill put you at risk? Any advice appreciated (factual ones though please, this isn't really the time for speculation!)

[sophie_1003]

As far as I know the 21 days 'build up' contraception so you're still covered for the 7 days; if you forget and don't start taking it again after 7 days you wouldn't be protected. Also; with most pills you can usually miss one or two within the 21 days and still be protected, this is the advice from the NHS site which does acknowledge that it differs from the advice on most pill leaflets because these apparently haven't been updated in a while.

[Sqad]

No big deal.
Take the one that you have missed and get on with it.
sophie is correct.

[bushbaby_de]

Thanks guys. However your answer has now got me thinking something else. My GP has said I can take my packs end to end to reduce the number of periods I have (as they are HORRENDOUS) but if the hormones are building up on my body could this cause any other problems?

[Sqad]

If you have irregular bleeding or heavy bleeding, then I agree with your GP......a very good idea to take them back to back.

There will be no long term harm and the "hormones" will look after themselves.

[bushbaby_de]

Thanks Sqad. I seem to get a breakthrough bleed every 3-4 months so give myself the 7 day break at that point - makes life so much easier - but was worried I was somehow having too many hormones by not having the break every month!