Missed Birth Control Pill: What to Do and Its Impact on Effectiveness

Missed contraceptive pill?

Hello, doctor.
I am currently on the second cycle of my oral contraceptive pills.
After taking the fifth pill, I forgot to take the pill on the sixth day (Monday).
I didn't realize it and continued to take one pill on Tuesday and Wednesday until I discovered on Thursday that I had missed the pill on Monday.
What should I do to remedy this situation? Will I have no contraceptive effect for this cycle? 😭 I realized I missed the pill on Monday and took two pills on Thursday.
Is that effective?

Xiao Yun, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/20

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

What you need is not medical advice but rather a refresher on sexual health knowledge.
For such questions, it is recommended to refer to the National Health Administration's "Sexual Wellness e-Learning" or the Obstetrics and Gynecology Society's "Adolescent Contraceptive Guidance."
Hello, the effectiveness of Combined Oral Contraceptives (COCs) can be as high as 99%.
Missing a dose is one of the common reasons for failure with this method of contraception, so knowing how to correctly make up for a missed dose is very important.
Each type of COC has a different number of pills, so it is essential to follow the instructions for taking the contraceptive.

If you forget to take a pill, you should take it as soon as you remember, and continue taking the next pill at the usual time.
If you miss a dose of an effective pill for more than 12 hours, in addition to taking the missed pill, it is advisable to use an additional barrier method of contraception for the next seven days.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2016/04/20

More Info

When it comes to missed birth control pills, it's essential to understand how to manage the situation effectively to maintain contraceptive efficacy. Birth control pills, particularly combined oral contraceptives, work by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. However, their effectiveness can be compromised if pills are missed.

In your case, you missed a pill on Monday and did not realize it until Thursday. The general recommendation for missed pills varies depending on how many pills you have missed and the type of pill you are taking. Since you missed one pill during the first week of your cycle, here’s what you should do:
1. Take the Missed Pill: As you did, take the missed pill as soon as you remember. If you realize you missed it on Thursday, take two pills that day—one for the missed dose and one for the scheduled dose.

2. Continue Taking Your Pills: After taking the missed pill, continue taking your remaining pills as scheduled. This means you will take your regular pill on Thursday and Friday.

3. Use Backup Contraception: Since you missed a pill during the first week, it is advisable to use backup contraception, such as condoms, for at least the next seven days. This is crucial because the risk of ovulation increases when pills are missed, especially in the first week of the cycle.

4. Monitor for Ovulation: If you have unprotected intercourse during the time you missed the pill and before you have taken the missed pill, there is a possibility of ovulation occurring. If you are concerned about potential pregnancy, consider taking a pregnancy test if your period is late.

5. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: If you have any doubts or if you frequently forget to take your pills, it may be worth discussing alternative contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider. Options such as the patch, ring, or long-acting reversible contraceptives (like IUDs) may be more suitable for your lifestyle.

In summary, while missing a birth control pill can reduce its effectiveness, taking the missed pill as soon as you remember and using backup contraception can help mitigate the risk of unintended pregnancy. It's important to stay informed about your contraceptive method and to communicate with your healthcare provider about any concerns you may have. Regular follow-ups can help ensure that you are using the most effective method for your needs and lifestyle.

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