New pill

[gatesy08]

I started my new pill 12 days ago. Before I started it I took my 7 day withdrawal bleed. I had sex on day 12 was I protected? I read online that I should have went from one pill to another without the withdrawal bleed gap and now I'm worried.

[gatesy08]

Just wanted to add that on switched from mirvala 28 to loestrin 28.

[Sam W]

Hi gatesy,

When you were discussing the switch, did your healthcare provider talk to you about how the switch could be done to maintain protection?

[gatesy08]

They just said to finish with the mirvala and then start the new pack. But I didnt know if that meant the placebo pills or not. But I took them.

[gatesy08]

I took the placebos and then started my new pill on the first day bacm

[Sam W]

Odds are they meant take the placebos as well, although I can't say for certain. But it sounds like you should not have any gaps in your coverage.

Are you using any other birth control besides the pill?

[gatesy08]

We use condoms. And occasionally withdrawal. I'm just wondering if your protection is compromised when you start a different pill that is also a combo one.

[Sam W]

As long as there are no gaps in between ending one pack and starting the other, the effectiveness should not be compromised. However, if you're concerned, you can call your pharmacist to confirm that this was this case with switching your pills.

[gatesy08]

And do gap not include placebos? Ive been reading online how you shouldn't have your withdrawal bleed when switching to a different pill. It's all very confusing to me

[gatesy08]

Can anyone shed some light?

[Sam W]

Really, at this point your best option is to call you pharmacist and consult them which is a good habit to develop if you have concerns or questions about a medication. I'm going to go ahead and close this thread because it looks like you're starting to get caught up in an anxiety loop, which isn't a good thing for us (or you) to feed, even if the reassurance feels like it's helping in the moment.