Women on birth control pills (usually) have three weeks of active pills, or pills with hormones in them, and then one week or 7 days of either placebo pills or no pills. This week allows the lining of the uterus to shed, but it is NOT a real menstrual period. In fact, it is not scientifically necessary to have this break. Most women only want it to ensure they are not pregnant.

If your girlfriend was having her "period" during her 7 day break, and as long as she took her pills correctly during the month, then she is completely protected during that break. Hormone levels do not drop low enough in 7 days to allow ovulation. The problem arises when one extends the break past 7 days; then hormone levels CAN get low enough to spark ovulation.

Hope this helped!

Is there a difference between the gap of 7days free pills and taking the pills on the 1st day of your cycle...then start with the new pack again?

Will it increase the risk of pregnancy?