Birth Control Schedule Planner
Select your hormonal pill regimen, enter the most recent pack start date, and keep track of when active pills, placebo days, or hormone-free intervals occur.
How to Use This Calculator
Choose your pill regimen
Select the schedule that matches your prescription (e.g., 21 active + 7 placebo, continuous, etc.).
Enter the most recent pack start
The calculator determines where you are in the current cycle and when transition days occur.
Set a daily reminder time
Take pills at the same time each day for maximum effectiveness. Adjust reminders as needed.
Formula
Cycle day calculation: Daycycle = (Days since pack start mod (active days + break days)) + 1
Active vs placebo phase: If Daycycle ≤ active days → active hormone phase, otherwise placebo/hormone-free phase
Next reminder: Next pill = Today's date/time adjusted to the selected daily reminder; if already past, add 1 day.
Full Description
Combined oral contraceptive pills typically follow cyclic regimens of active hormone pills and placebo (or hormone-free) intervals. Consistent daily dosing suppresses ovulation, thickens cervical mucus, and thins the endometrium to prevent pregnancy. This planner helps visualize where you are in the pack, anticipate withdrawal bleeding, and maintain adherence—key factors in contraceptive reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I miss a pill?
Follow the specific instructions in your pill pack. Generally, take the missed pill as soon as remembered and continue as scheduled; use backup contraception if multiple pills are missed.
Can I skip the placebo week?
Yes, some users stack packs to avoid bleeding. Confirm with your clinician to ensure safety with your formulation.
Does the reminder time matter?
Taking pills at the same time daily helps maintain steady hormone levels and reduces the chance of forgetting.
What if I switch pill brands?
Update the regimen and start date according to the new prescription. Some extended-cycle pills use different active/break intervals.