The withdrawal bleeding that occurs during the break from active pills was thought to be comforting, as a physical confirmation of not being pregnant.

Take one active pill (with hormones) once daily for 21 days in a row.

If you miss one "active" pill, take two pills on the day that you remember.

If you miss three "active" pills in a row, do not take the missed pills.

If a woman misses more than one active pill in a packet.

Answer: You are going to finish your active pills a day early.

You should expect to get your period about three days after you finish the active pills in the pack.

Take one active pill daily for 84 days in a row.

The day after you finish all the active pills, start taking one inactive pill daily for 7 days in a row.

You should not have your period during the 3 months that you are taking the active pills.