I went on continuous birth control (combined pill) around 4-5 months ago instead of taking the regular 21 day off 7 day style. I still have breakthrough bleeding every month during when my period is supposed to be, but I just continue taking the pill and it eventually goes away. But this last month, I had a period for 3 weeks. I called my gynecologist and she said to stop taking the pills for 2 days and then get back on them and stay on them. I stopped the pills for 2 days and had heavier bleeding. I started the pills back up and have been on them since. I asked her how long I had to use a second type of protection. She said that they tell everyone 1 month, but that most doctors say 2 weeks. She said to do a month because my body was all messed up and she didn't know where I was at in my cycle. The thing is I am going to Mexico this weekend and next week and was looking forward to unprotected sex with my boyfriend.

So, I only didn't take the pills 2 days and that was just to have a real period. I have been back on the pill for 11 days and will be back on it 14 by the time I have unprotected sex. All the research I did stated I am safe after 7 days of taking the pill and shouldn't worry, but I wanted to know if that was true and why only 7 days.

It's not true. Did you know that even on the pill you can become pregnant. Even if you use 2 or more forms of birth control you can become pregnant.

Fact is, you really messed up your body by continuously taking the pill non stop, trying to avoid a period. Follow your doctors advice and use a back method of birth control for the first month. Frankly, I'd continue using a backup method and not solely relying on the pill, unless you don't mind a pregnancy.

You need to do some more research, there is no "safe" you can be taking the pill perfectly and still get pregnant. The pill is not 100 percent effective. While it is very very effective, there is still a small chance and 1000's of women a year get pregnant while using the pill exactly as expected.

The issue is what percent of risk is acceptable.

You should always be using a second form of protection if you seriously do not want a pregnancy. ** but even with condom and pill, it is still possible,