Basically, I have been taking active pills continuously for 2-3 months on a row at a time and I allow maybe 4-5 "periods" in a year. Last month, however, I had unusual extended breakthrough bleeding in the shape of brown gooey discharge with chunks that resembled a period (but no fresh blood, only brown) for 14 days straight, so because the brown stuff was not going away I went to the gyn and she told me it to stop it I could take a break from the active pills and allow my "period" to happen, as it seemed I was shedding anyway. I have taken more than 21 consecutive active pills (like 47) so she said it would be fine to be off the pill for 7 days as I normally would during the "placebo week", and then start a new pack.
I don't think I need extra protection considering I have taken more than 21 pills before taking this break I am taking now (which will not be more than 7 days), but I forgot to ask my gyn: Is it safe not to use extra protection if I have sex the first days of my new pack? I feel this is a silly question, but just want to make sure.
Also, could I make my break from active pills shorter than 7 days? Can I just do it for 5 days and then start a new pack?