When someone “jump starts” their birth control method, that means they are beginning the method mid-cycle after being unprotected. Usually they begin the method after taking Emergency Contraception and they use back-up (condoms) for one week to be sure they are protected. People use the jump start method so they don’t have to wait for their period to begin a method.

What your question is referring to is when people skip their period by taking continuous hormones. For example, if someone is on the pill, they might begin their next month of pills after 3 weeks instead of taking the sugar pills for the fourth week. By taking continuous hormones, someone would not have their period. People do this if they want to avoid their period, for example if they were going on vacation.

…will I not have a period until I start on the “sugar pills?” Or could I be pregenant?

Jump-starting a birth control method can change your menstrual cycle. It’s important to use back-up (condoms) or abstaining from sex for the first week of using your method. If you don’t get your period within 4 weeks of starting your method, contact your health care provider or make an appointment at Teen Clinic.