Is it safe to skip the inactive pills in a birth control pack?

Question

I am on birth control and I am aware that there is really no medical reason for a woman to have a period once a month. A friend of mine said the inactive pills that cause a monthly period in birth control can be skipped and just go straight to the next set of active pills to skip the period. I was just wondering if anyone had knew any reason why this wasn't ok to do, or if anyone knew that it was ok. Thanks! =)

Answer 1

yes they are sugar pills for reminding purposes only

Answer 2

Skipping Inactive Birth Control Pills

Answer 3

Yes, you can skip the inactive pills. I do it if I'm on vacation or something, my doctor has said it's OK. Also, you can not take the inactive pills. They are just to help you remember. I just don't take anything for 7 days, then start a new pack.

Answer 4

It is safe to skip the inactive pills and go right to the next pack, but check with your doctor first. Be prepared for much heavier bleeding when you do use the week of inactive pills later on. I did that once to move the week when I have my withdrawl bleeding to coincide with my work schedule, and I ended up having it for twice as long and much heavier the next time I took the week of inactive pills.

Answer 5

It depends on what type of birth control you are on. I'm on Micronor, which is a Progestin only pill and it works a little different than a dual progestin/estrogen pill. Just ask your doctor first. I think with the dual pills though, they are just a place holder. When I was on Desogen, I alway skipped the sugar pills.

Answer 6

YEAP!!!! That's fine. I used to do it when I had a special occasion coming up - or through summer so I could go swimming ect. My doctor use to say it was safe to do it up to 3 times in a row, but not to make it common practise because that's not what the pill is for and if it is done frequently (skipping inactive pills) it may make it difficult to become pregnant later on down the track!!!! Goodluck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

yes u dont have to take the inactive pills just make sure to get back on them at the right time- they are just to fill in the time so that you dont forget

I used to skip the inactive pills and go onto the next pack- which is the same as seasonale the pill that u dont have the inactive ones-
i had probs with breakthrough bleeding when i did it but i have that with any birth control pill-

Answer 8

As far as I know, it's safe to skip them.

However, if you're on a low-dose pill (like Ortho-tricyclen lo), I wouldn't recommend it. The amount of hormone in the pills is not high enough to hold off your period for a full four weeks, and, as a result, you are likely to experience spotting and bleeding after the first week of pills up until your next period (NO FUN!).

I am NOT a doctor, so please consult with your physician before making any medical decision. My answer is just advice from personal experience, not actual medical advice.

Answer 9

The inactive pills don't 'cause' a period. They are basically place holders. They keep you in the groove of taking the pill daily.

There ARE pills you can take constantly, but only your doctor knows if your particular brand is okay. MOST of them are safe to take that way, but I'd check just to be sure.

Answer 10

The inactive pill is usually flour or something. You can skip them, but you still have to wait out the time. If you try to skip your period, after a few months you could hemmorrage from having 3 months of uterine lining to shed all at once.

Answer 11

Do NOT do this unless you have a doctors permission to do so.

I did this, and it took forever to get my period regulated with my pills again.

You may still end up getting your period, or breakthrough bleeding, anyway.

If you don't want to have your period, you should try the pill that gives you a period every three months or the one that doesn't let you have a period at all (Lybrel).