If I have bleeding while taking the pill, am I still protected?

If you experience bleeding while taking the pill, it does not affect its effectiveness as a contraceptive. You are still protected as long as you continue to take it regularly. Bleeding may occur due to missed pills or taking the pill continuously for several months. If you wish to stop the bleeding, you can temporarily stop taking the pill until the bleeding stops, for up to 7 days. After that, you can resume taking the pill continuously. If you stop for 7 days or less, you are still protected during that time and when you resume taking the pill. If the bleeding is not too bothersome, you can also choose to continue taking the pill continuously. Remember that if you miss a pill but take it within 24 hours and continue taking the following pills at your usual times, there is no need to use additional protection.