When do you start a new pack of birth control pills if you stopped in the middle of the previous pack 4 days ago and won't get a new pack for another week?

Answer 1

Are you waiting until the new pack comes to begin? Do not pick up your half-empty old pack and start taking those pills! You can save them as spares in case you ever drop a pill down the sink, or keep it stashed in your purse in case you find yourself unexpectedly away from home and needing to take your pill on time.

If there is no risk of pregnancy (ie you are NOT sexually active or have been using a different, back-up method of Birth Control in the interim) you can start a pack during the first five days of your next normal period. Be sure to abstain or use condoms during at least the first seven days of your new pack. If you had sex within the last five days without a condom, you can use emergency contraception and begin your new pack right away, with condoms for the next seven days. If you had unprotected sex within the five days prior to when you stopped in the middle of the last pack, be SURE to wait at least two weeks and see a negative pregnancy test and the start of a normal period BEFORE you begin your new pill cycle. Good luck!