If I am late for my monthly cycle, is it safe to take birth control pills?

Q: If I am late for my monthly menstrual cycle, is it safe for me to take my birth control pills?        

A: Do a pregnancy test first. If it is positive, obviously, do not take pills anymore. If it is negative but this is the first time you are going to take birth control pills or if you did not take pills during your last menstrual cycle, you should wait for the first day of your menses before starting a new pack of pills.

If you have been taking the pill previously on schedule, and you are due to take the succeeding pack, and pregnancy test is negative, you may go ahead and continue to take the pill.

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