Expert: Norman Solberg - 5/31/2011

Question
Hi!
I have been on birth control pills for years. I was using Ortho Cyclen for a while and 4 years ago switched to Lutera. My period is really light but regular, usually coming on Sunday in my sugar pills. I have not missed any pills and I usually take them around the same time every night.  However, I have not gotten my period yet and it is Tuesday. I had unprotected sex but my boyfriend didn't come inside of me.
Is this normal? Could I be pregnant? Should I take a pregnancy test? or should I just start a new pack on Friday?

Please help me.

Answer
Hi Natalia,
Just as the pill usually causes periods to be light, sometimes they get so light that they don't come at all.  It's fairly common.  I would do a pregnancy test, just to be sure.  As long as it's negative, I would start the new pack as usual.  If you don't get a period next month, you could ask your doctor to change pills.  However, it's not harmful to miss periods, and some women prefer it.