Minipill (Desogestrel) - what happens to my cycle if I miss 3 pills?

[minipill]

Been on minipill for years, rarely get periods. Have gone on holiday (UK) and stupidly didn't bring the next pack so I'll be 2.5-3 days without one.

I'm not worried about getting pregnant as we'll either not risk it in that time or use condoms, but should I stock up on pads before the end of the holiday? Ie will I get a period in those three days?

I assume it's not possible to pick up a spare packet from Boots etc as it's on prescription back at my local pharmacy.

I usually just take them without a break (as you're meant to) so don't know how long it takes for a period to start.

You can buy desogestrel in pharmacies without a prescription, I think it's about £8 for a months supply of Hana/Lovinna, or a pharmacy in England can supply 3 months worth if they provide the contraceptive service. In my experience I get a heavy bleed if I miss a couple of days

You can buy it over the counter it's about £12 a pack (last time I looked).

Ah thanks, I didn't know that!

If you call 111 they can issue an emergency prescription for one month and send it to a local pharmacy for you to collect. I had to do this once when I forgot to take my pack on holiday.

If you decide not to worry about it then yes, I'd grab a pack of pads. Nothing likely to happen day one or two but by day three it wouldn't be surprising for bleeding to start. You'll probably then have a relatively full period as it'll take a couple of days for it to get back in your system once you get home.

You can definitely buy desogestrel based mini pills (if that's what you are using). If you've missed any pills you need 2 days of pill taking to be covered against pregnancy again.

When I stopped mine I didn’t get any bleeding for about a month so you might be ok.

It might depend what stage of your pack you are at, and whether it has stopped ovulation for you.

I came off desogestral mid pack , and I didn't bleed for a few weeks.

Thanks all, the NHS have a webpage listing pharmacies that will give you contraceptives OTC... went in a Day Lewis and they accessed my prescription and gave me more supply so no need to pay!