What to Do If You Missed a Birth Control Pill: Expert Advice

I forgot to take my birth control pill that day?

Hello, I would like to ask about my situation.
I started taking my birth control pill, Yejih, on May 24, and today, June 1, I realized that I missed one pill.
However, I cannot recall which day I missed it.
Given this situation, should I stop taking the medication and wait for my menstrual cycle to start, or should I continue taking it?

Teresa, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/02

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

What you need is not medical consultation but rather a refresher on sexual health knowledge.
For such inquiries, it is recommended to refer to the National Health Administration's "Sexual Well-being e-Learning" or the Obstetrics and Gynecology Society's "Adolescent Contraceptive Guidance" at http://goo.gl/dc6PfW.

Hello, the number of pills in each type of combination oral contraceptive varies, so please 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 active pill for more than 12 hours, in addition to taking the missed pill, it is best to use an additional barrier method of contraception for the next seven days.
If you miss a dose for more than 24 hours, stop taking the current contraceptive for seven days (including the days you missed), and then continue with the next cycle.
If you miss a pill and do not experience the expected withdrawal bleeding during the placebo period, you should suspect the possibility of pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2016/06/02

More Info

If you missed a birth control pill, it’s important to understand the appropriate steps to take to maintain contraceptive effectiveness and manage your menstrual cycle. Based on the information provided, you started taking the birth control pill "Yue Ji" on May 24, and you discovered that you missed a pill on June 1. Here’s what you should do:
1. Take the Missed Pill: If you remember that you missed a pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you realize you missed it on the same day, you can take it immediately. If it’s been more than 24 hours since you were supposed to take it, you should still take the missed pill as soon as you remember, but you may need to use backup contraception (like condoms) for the next seven days.

2. Continue Taking Your Pills: After taking the missed pill, continue taking the rest of your pills as scheduled. Do not double up on pills unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider.
3. Assess Your Risk of Pregnancy: If you missed a pill and had unprotected sex during the time you missed it, there is a risk of pregnancy. The risk depends on when you missed the pill in relation to your cycle. If it was during the first week of your pill pack, the risk is higher compared to missing a pill in the last week.
4. Monitor Your Cycle: Since you started taking the pill on May 24, your body may still be adjusting to the hormones. Missing a pill can sometimes cause irregularities in your menstrual cycle, such as spotting or changes in flow. If your period is delayed beyond a week or if you experience unusual symptoms, consider taking a pregnancy test.

5. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: If you are unsure about what to do after missing a pill or if you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or potential pregnancy, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your health history and current situation.

6. Backup Contraception: If you miss a pill, especially during the first week of your pack, it’s advisable to use backup contraception for at least seven days. This will help ensure that you are protected against unintended pregnancy.

7. Regular Pill Taking: To avoid missing pills in the future, consider setting a daily reminder on your phone or using a pill organizer. Consistency is key to maintaining the effectiveness of your birth control.

In summary, if you miss a birth control pill, take it as soon as you remember, continue with your regular schedule, and consider using backup contraception if you had unprotected sex. If you have any concerns about pregnancy or your menstrual cycle, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance.

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