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I'll answer your questions as you asked them:

1. Is it common to miss a period when one switches to a different oral contraceptive?
yes, it can be common and is normal

2. Did I do the correct thing by beginning my next pack today?
yes, it is important to continue taking the pill every day as directed

3. Do I need a back-up method of birth control?
I am unsure about this question---do you think you may be pregnant? Have you been taking the active pills perfectly (consistently and correctly, every day)?

4. Is there any chance that I'm pregnant?
If you have missed any active pills, there is a chance of pregnancy. Did your doctor instruct you to use a back-up method of birth control for the first 7 days of your new birth control pill? Did you have sex during this time?

5. With my last active pill ending on Tuesday, when can I expect my period to start?
You may have a late period or may not have a period this month, as beginning a new hormonal contraceptive can alter your cycle enough for this to happen. And, actually, did you know you don't actually have a "period" when you are on the pill? The bleeding you have is called "withdrawal bleeding" while you are off the active pills. Your body may not have had enough time during the 4 "inactive days" (no synthetic hormones) to trigger the withdrawal bleeding. You may experience "breakthrough bleeding" this month, however, which is annoying...it is spotting or light bleeding in-between "periods".

Let me know if I answered your questions, or if you have any follow-up questions!

October 11, 2009 - 7:43pm

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