Switching from mini pill to combined

[M0reGinPlease]

I'm switching from the mini pill to the combined pill and, despite asking the doctor and the pharmacist and reading the patient info booklet am a bit confused as they all say different things!

I haven't had a single bleed in the three years I've been taking the mini pill so I have no idea where I am in my cycle. Both doctor and pharmacist said in that case it doesn't matter when I start, I can just decide to start taking the combination pill. However, doctor said use an alternative form of contraception for seven days, pharmacist and info leaflet say I'm protected straight away.

Not looking forward to having periods again much!

So why switch if you're content with cerazette?

I'm not. It's causing me major problems. Only advantage is that I haven't had a bleed on it.

My periods are very light on the combined pill and my Dr has no issue with me running pill packs together if I want to to skip having a period. You could presumably do the same if your Dr ok'd it.

Have you tried other mini pills? For example I tried three before it finally agreed with me.

Not tried other mini pills no. I was taking it because of breastfeeding so am going back to the combined pill I took for years before with no issues.

I think I've figured out the answer myself anyway. I think protection from day one refers to starting the new pills within five days of the start of my cycle. Because I have had no periods and therefore no idea where I am in my cycle I will have to assume I'm not within the five days so I won't be protected for seven days of starting.

Also yes doctor did mention taking two packs together. Presumably this should be a once in a while thing?

No I do it regularly. My Dr advised that if I have a breakthrough bleed at some point I should then stop for 7 days and resume again but that hasn't happened. I do take a break every so often when I want to be sure all is still in order. My periods are so light though that when I do have them they are much better than they were before.

Ask your Dr how many pill packets they are happy for you to run together without a break.