What the Green Pills Are
Birth control pill packs often contain pills of different colors. These variations usually indicate whether a pill contains active hormones or is inactive. In many common birth control formulations, particularly 28-day packs, the green pills are typically inactive pills, also known as placebo or reminder pills.
Inactive pills do not contain synthetic hormones like estrogen or progestin, which are the active ingredients responsible for preventing pregnancy. Their composition is often inert substances such as sugar or starch. Some inactive pills may incorporate beneficial ingredients, such as iron, to help supplement iron levels that can be reduced during menstrual bleeding. Any such added ingredients do not contribute to the contraceptive effect.
Purpose of the Green Pills
The inclusion of inactive pills in a birth control pack serves a few practical purposes, even though they do not prevent pregnancy. A primary reason is to help users maintain a consistent daily routine of pill-taking. Taking a pill every day, regardless of whether it contains hormones, reinforces the habit and can reduce the likelihood of forgetting to start a new pack of active pills on time, which is important for contraceptive effectiveness.
Inactive pills also facilitate a scheduled withdrawal bleed, which is often perceived by users as a menstrual period. This bleeding occurs due to the drop in hormone levels when a person switches from active pills to inactive ones. While this withdrawal bleed is not a true menstrual period (as ovulation is suppressed by hormonal contraception), it can be reassuring for many individuals, serving as a physical confirmation that they are not pregnant.
Missing a Green Pill
Missing an inactive (green) pill generally does not compromise the effectiveness of birth control or increase the risk of pregnancy. Since these pills do not contain hormones, skipping them does not impact the contraceptive protection provided by the active pills. If an inactive pill is missed, the recommended action is usually to simply discard it and continue taking the next pill in the pack as scheduled. Ensure the next pack of active pills is started on time to maintain contraceptive efficacy.
In contrast, missing an active hormonal pill carries a different set of risks. Missing one or more active pills can lead to a decrease in hormone levels, potentially increasing the chance of ovulation and pregnancy. When active pills are missed, backup or emergency contraception might be advised. The distinction between active and inactive pills is therefore important for understanding how to manage missed doses and ensure continued protection.