how are you still protected on birth control during the placebo week?

Question

hi yes I’m aware you are never fully protected on birth control, but how does it work during the placebo week? what are the placebo pills still doing or not doing? thanks!

In: Biology

Answer 1

A woman’s cycle starts the first day of her period. She will generally ovulate somewhere between 12-14 days after the start of the period. Birth control pills prevent ovulation. The placebo week induces a period but no egg was ever released thereby preventing pregnancy as long as the pills are taken as directed.