Pill-free interval - meaning and definition
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Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
The pill-free interval is the break of usually seven days, or the run of inactive tablets, between packs of the combined pill.
At a glance
- It is usually a seven-day break, or a run of inactive tablets, between packs of the combined pill.
- Most people have a withdrawal bleed during the break, caused by the drop in hormones.
- The withdrawal bleed is not a true period and has no health benefit.
- Many guidelines now say the break can be shortened or skipped.
- Making the break longer than intended can reduce protection.
In detail
During the break most people have a withdrawal bleed, which is caused by the drop in hormones rather than a true menstrual period. The bleed has no health benefit, and many guidelines now say it is safe to shorten the break or skip it by taking packs back to back.
The first pills after a break matter most: if the break is made longer by missing pills at the start or end of a pack, the ovaries have more time to become active and protection can drop.
Anyone thinking of changing how they take their pill can ask a clinician or pharmacist which pattern suits their brand.
In a sentence
- My clinic told me I could shorten the pill-free interval if the bleed was bothering me.
- I start my next pack the day after the pill-free interval ends.
Not to be confused with
- Menstruation
A withdrawal bleed on the pill is triggered by stopping hormones, not by a natural menstrual cycle.
Common questions
Is it safe to skip the pill-free interval?
Many guidelines now say it is safe to shorten or skip the break by taking packs back to back, because the withdrawal bleed has no health benefit. Whether this suits a particular brand is a good question for a clinician or pharmacist.
Am I protected during the pill-free week?
If the pill has been taken correctly and the next pack is started on time, protection usually continues through the break. Lengthening the break by missing pills at the start or end of a pack can reduce protection.