Question about BC
Find a Conversation
| Mon, 09-06-2004 - 4:28am |
I'm hoping to get some information on how the pill works. I've been on pills called Zovia, which has three weeks of regular pills and one week of placebos. Now I was trying to find more information on why does it have to be three weeks on pills and the following week of placebos without having to use backup during the placebos week? Wouldn't few missed pills cause AF to come anyway and still be protected (instead of being at risk of pregnancy)? I've been good about taking pills on time, but I was just wondering why is it three weeks and then the fallowing week you don't have to take the placebos to be protected? Why wouldn't you be protected if you stopped after two weeks of taking pills...I'm sure there's an explanation I just can't find it anywhere on the internet.
Thanks a bunch,
J.

The 21/7 day regimen was decided on by the first pill manufacturer in order to mimic our natural 28 day cycle. I've been told that they thought that there would be greater acceptance of the pill if it appeared that a user was cycling normally. Clinical trials for effectiveness of oral contraceptives were performed on a 21/7 basis and the regulating authorities accepted the results of those trials and approved use on a 21/7 basis.
A few missed pills do often cause withdrawal bleeding but we also know that a few missed pills can result in an unintended pregnancy. As I understand it, taking pills correctly for 21 days will result in a level of residual protection that will be effective for 7 days after taking the last active pill. After more than 7 days the effectiveness decreases considerably. Stopping for a few days mid-pack can interrupt the buildup of protection. That's probably why the mfgs. say if you miss more than 3 pills to throw the pack away and start a new pack. Sorry I don’t have a more specific answer, but I hope this helps. Perhaps Judie will have more insight on your question.
Thanks for your post.
Jill
Thank you a bunch,
J.