It is recommended to take 1 contraceptive pill every day, until the end of the pack, always at the same time, to guarantee the effect of the medicine.
Most contraceptives come with 21 tablets, but there are also packs with 24 or 28 tablets, which differ according to the amount of hormones they contain, the length of pause between packs and whether or not menstruation occurs.
It is important that the use of contraceptives is guided by the gynecologist and, if you forget to take the pill more than once, it is recommended that other contraceptive methods be discussed. Learn about other contraceptive options.
How to drink
To take the contraceptive correctly, you must follow the gynecologist’s instructions according to the type of contraceptive:
1. 21-day contraceptive
You must take 1 tablet per day until the end of the pack, always at the same time, totaling 21 days with the pill. When the pack ends, you should take a 7-day break, which is when your period should start, and start a new pack on the 8th day.
Examples: Selene, Yasmin, Diane 35, Level, Femina, Gynera, Cycle 21, Thames 20, Microvlar.
2. 24-day contraceptive
You must take 1 tablet per day until the end of the pack, always at the same time, totaling 24 days with the pill. Then, you should take a break for 4 days, when menstruation normally occurs, and start a new pack on the 5th day after the break.
Examples: Minimum, Mirelle, Yaz, Siblima, Iumi.
3. 28-day contraceptive
You must take 1 tablet per day until the end of the pack, always at the same time, totaling 28 days with the pill. When you finish the pack, you should start another one the next day, without taking a break in between. However, if breakthrough bleeding occurs frequently, a gynecologist should be consulted to reassess the amount of hormones needed to regulate the menstrual cycle and, if necessary, prescribe a new contraceptive.
Examples: Micronor, Adoless, Gestinol, Elani 28, Cerazette.
4. Injectable contraceptive
There are 2 different types, monthly and quarterly. In the case of monthly contraceptives (Perlutan, Preg-less, Mesigyna, Noregyna, Cycloprovera and Cyclofemina), the injection must be administered by a nurse or pharmacist, preferably on the 1st day of menstruation, with a tolerance of up to 5 days after menstruation begins. Subsequent injections should always be applied every 30 days.
In the case of quarterly injectable contraceptives (Depo-Provera and Contracep), the injection must be applied up to 7 days after the start of menstruation, and subsequent injections must be applied after 90 days, with no delay of more than 5 days for ensure the effectiveness of the injection.
Main questions
Below, we clarify the main doubts about the correct use of contraceptives:
1. When to take the first contraceptive?
The first contraceptive pill should be taken on the first day of the cycle, that is, on the first day of menstruation. However, before starting to use contraceptives, it is essential that the gynecologist is consulted so that the best contraceptive method is indicated, guidance is given on its use and the main doubts are clarified.
2. At what time to take the contraceptive?
The contraceptive pill can be taken at any time of the day, but it is important that it is always taken at the same time to avoid reducing its effect. So, to ensure you don’t forget to take your contraceptive, some tips are:
- Set a daily alarm on your cell phone;
- Keep the card in a clearly visible and easily accessible place;
- Associate taking the pill with a daily habit, such as brushing your teeth, for example.
It is also important to remember that it is best to avoid taking the pill on an empty stomach, as it can cause discomfort and stomach pain.
3. What to do if you forget to take it on time?
If you forget, you should take the forgotten tablet as soon as you remember, even if it is necessary to take 2 tablets at the same time. If you forget to take the pill less than 12 hours after the usual contraceptive time, the effect of the pill will be maintained and you should continue taking the rest of the pack normally.
However, if you have forgotten for more than 12 hours or if more than 1 pill has been forgotten in the same pack, the contraceptive may have its effect reduced, and you should read the leaflet to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a condom to prevent a pregnancy. See more details on what to do if you forget to take your contraceptive.
5. Is it possible to get pregnant while taking contraceptives?
Every woman runs the risk of becoming pregnant, even when taking contraceptives, because contraceptives are only around 98% effective. Furthermore, the use of antibiotics or other medications may slightly reduce the effectiveness of this contraceptive, increasing the chances of pregnancy.
Forgetting to take one of the pills, changing contraceptives and/or having episodes of diarrhea or vomiting can also increase the risk of pregnancy. See more details on how it is possible to get pregnant while taking contraceptives.
6. What to do if your period doesn’t come?
If your period does not start during the contraceptive break period and all the pills have been taken correctly, there is no risk of pregnancy and the next pack should be started normally.
In cases where you forget to take the pill, especially when you forget more than 1 pill from the same pack, there is a risk of pregnancy and the ideal is to take a pregnancy test that you can buy at the pharmacy or have a blood test done in a laboratory.
7. How many days after the end of the pack will your period start?
Menstruation usually begins 2 to 3 days after the end of the contraceptive pack. This menstruation that occurs at the end of the pack is known as withdrawal bleeding, a bleeding similar to the period that normally occurs when you stop taking the pill.
8. What to do if your period doesn’t come between now and then?
In some women, menstruation may not come during the contraceptive interval. However, if the tablets were taken regularly, if there was no vomiting or severe diarrhea and if other medications were not being used, the next pack can be started normally after the end of the break.
However, it is advisable to have a consultation with a gynecologist to rule out the possibility of pregnancy.
9. How to take contraceptives after stopping?
To resume taking contraceptives after stopping using the medication, you must take the pill on the first day of your period. However, before resuming contraceptive use, it is essential that the gynecologist is consulted so that the best contraceptive method can be indicated.
10. Is it possible to resume after stopping in the middle of the card?
After stopping the contraceptive halfway through the pack, it is not recommended to resume taking the pills. This is because going more than 2 days (more than 48 hours) without using contraceptives can reduce the effect of the medicine, increasing the risk of pregnancy.
Therefore, before resuming contraceptives, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist to assess the most suitable method for each woman.
