hi everyone

i was just wondering exactly how close to "the same time each day" i should be taking my birth control pill?

i have been on demulen 30 (which contains estrogen and progesterone) for about 2 years and usually take it just before i go to bed (around 11 or so). i rarely, rarely miss pills all together. the only thing is, some nights (like weekends) i go to bed a few hours later than normal (for example 2 or 3am) if i've been out.

do you think this is a concern?

i almost always use a condom as well, but occasionally we fool around a little before putting one on, or he pulls out prior to ejaculation. i know that this is not effective in and of itself, but i figured coupled with the pill, the chances are pretty low.

anyhow, long story short, i had a lighter-than-usual period this month... it came at the usual time and was accompanied by cramps, but it was only 2 days or so of fairly light bleeding (but heavier than spotting, which i also get typically a week or so before my period)...

is this still considered a period? i'm just feeling a little paranoid because i did have 'unprotected' sex a few days after taking a pill a few hours late. i also was a little late taking the very first pill in that package (about 10 days eariler).

sorry for the long-winded question! let me know what you think... it's been tough finding info on this!

thanks in advance!