What Happens If You Miss a Birth Control Pill?
Missing a birth control pill can be a common concern. The implications depend on the type of pill you take and how many doses you miss. This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions on what to do if you forget a pill, the risks involved, and how to stay protected.
Types of Birth Control Pills
Understanding the type of pill you take is crucial for determining the next steps if you miss a dose. There are two main types of birth control pills:
- Combination Pills: These pills contain both estrogen and progestin. They typically come in packs with 21-24 active hormone pills followed by a week of placebo (non-hormonal) pills.
- Progestin-Only Pills (Mini Pills): These contain only progestin and must be taken at the same time every day due to their shorter duration of action.
What to Do If You Miss a Combination Pill
If You Miss One Pill:
- Take the missed pill as soon as you remember.
- Continue taking the rest of the pills at your usual time, even if it means taking two pills in one day.
- No backup contraception is generally needed unless you missed pills earlier in the same cycle.
If You Miss Two Pills:
- Take the most recent missed pill immediately.
- Continue with the remaining pills as usual, even if it means taking two pills in one day.
- Use backup contraception or avoid sex for the next seven days.
- If you had unprotected sex in the last five days, consider using emergency contraception.
Also read: Can You Get Pregnant During Your Period? The Facts You Need To Know
If You Miss Three or More Pills:
- Restart taking the hormone pills daily.
- Skip the placebo pills and start a new pack immediately after finishing the current one.
- Use backup contraception for seven days if you haven’t taken the pill for at least 21 consecutive days.
- Consider emergency contraception if you had unprotected sex in the last five days.
What to Do If You Miss a Progestin-Only Pill
Progestin-only pills are very time-sensitive:
- A pill is considered missed if it’s taken more than three hours late.
- Take the missed pill as soon as you remember.
- Continue taking the remaining pills at your usual time, even if it means taking two pills in one day.
- Use backup contraception or avoid sex for the next two days.
- If you had unprotected sex in the last five days, consider using emergency contraception.
How Late Is Too Late?
For combination pills, there is generally a 24-48 hour window to catch up on missed pills. After this period, you may not be protected against pregnancy. For progestin-only pills, even a few hours’ delay can increase the risk of pregnancy.
Effects of Missing a Birth Control Pill
Breakthrough Bleeding: Missing a pill can cause hormone levels to drop, leading to spotting or breakthrough bleeding.
Pregnancy Risk: The risk of pregnancy increases with the number of missed pills and depends on where you are in your cycle. Missing pills in the first week of the pack poses a higher risk compared to missing pills mid-cycle.
Side Effects: Taking multiple pills to catch up can cause nausea due to the higher hormone dose.
Considerations for Non-Pregnancy Uses
If you take birth control pills for reasons other than pregnancy prevention, such as managing cramps or acne, missing a few days typically won’t affect these benefits. Just get back on track as soon as possible.
Tips for Remembering to Take Your Pill
If you frequently forget to take your pill, consider setting daily reminders or using an app. Pairing the pill with a daily routine, like brushing your teeth, can also help. If remembering daily pills is challenging, explore other contraceptive options such as the ring, patch, shot, or an IUD.
Conclusion
Missing a birth control pill can be stressful, but understanding the steps to take can help mitigate the risks. Always use backup contraception if you’re unsure and consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Also read: Is There A Guaranteed Way To Induce Labor? Understanding Your Options
