V. Questions about me and the pill

i. What if I took my pill a few hours later than usual, is that OK?

Taking the pill at the same time every day will maximize the effectiveness of the pill and helps you to not forget ---as it becomes a habit. Taking it at the same time also minimizes side effects like irregular bleeding as well as failure. Nonetheless, there is some leeway and a few hours difference should not be anything to be worried about.

ii. Sometimes my period is so light, and some months I don’t bleed at all, is that OK?

If you are taking your pill properly, more or less the same time each day, then it is not unusual to have a very light period or even miss a period for a month or month(s) at a time. It is not indicative that there is anything wrong with your body it is just that the pill has caused your uterine lining to not thicken each month. Once you are ready to go off the pill, your periods will resume normally.  

iii. I forgot to take one or two pills this month, is that OK?

If you have forgotten to take one or some of your pills, don’t be alarmed if you get some unexpected spotting. Try to get on schedule if you can. In other words, if you forgot yesterday's pill then take it right away and then take the remainder of the pack as scheduled. This may mean that you will take two pills for a day or two which may make you feel nauseous. The more pills that you miss, the more likely the pill is going to fail you in terms of pregnancy protection. Condom use is a must in this instance.  In addition, you should be using condoms if you are not monogamous or have any concerns regarding STI exposure or transmission.

iv. I hate taking pills, so I often don’t take the placebo, is that OK?

The best way to remember taking the pill is to make it a habit or ritual that you do every day. While it is not important to take or not take the placebo pill, it is crucial that you remain on schedule with the active hormonal pills with each cycle.

v. I want to skip my period this month, how do I do this and is that OK?

It’s fine to manipulate your period from time to time especially if you are expecting it when it will be inconvenient. At the end of the third week, when you are about to be on your placebo week, just start a new pack instead. You will take the active pills for 6 weeks in a row before the placebo/period week.

Verbena does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and is not a medical provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.