Do You Need Emergency Contraception After Missed Birth Control?

Is it necessary to take emergency contraception?

Hello, Doctor.
I have been consistently taking the oral contraceptive pill for about 11 months, currently using Qlaira.
However, I started the new week's pills one day late, on December 17, instead of the 8th day after the break (which was December 16).
On that day, I took one pill in the morning and one in the evening, and I continued to take one pill every evening thereafter.
On December 19, I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend, but there was no ejaculation inside.
I also took my pill that night.
Do I still need to take emergency contraception? Thank you for your response, I really appreciate it.

Li An, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/20

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, you can start taking the birth control pill on the fifth day of your menstrual period.
It doesn't have to be taken at the exact same time; taking it around the same time is sufficient.
As long as you take it regularly, it will be effective for contraception.
If you forget to take it on a particular day, you should take the missed pill the next day.
There should be no need to take emergency contraception.
Wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2016/12/20

More Info

When it comes to missed birth control pills and the potential need for emergency contraception, it's important to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and the implications of missing a dose. In your case, you have been taking the birth control pill, specifically "Chili An," for about 11 months. You mentioned that you missed taking your pill on the scheduled day and started a day late, which can affect the effectiveness of the contraceptive.

Birth control pills are designed to maintain consistent hormone levels in your body to prevent ovulation. When you miss a pill, especially during the first week of a new pack, there is a risk that ovulation may occur, which could lead to pregnancy if unprotected intercourse happens around that time. Since you had unprotected sex on December 19, after starting your new pack late, it is understandable to be concerned about the possibility of pregnancy.

In general, if you miss a pill and have unprotected sex, the recommendation is to take the missed pill as soon as you remember and continue taking the rest of the pills as scheduled. If you missed a pill in the first week and had unprotected intercourse, it is advisable to consider taking emergency contraception (EC) as a precaution, especially since you mentioned that you had unprotected sex shortly after the missed dose.

Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. There are different types of emergency contraception, including the morning-after pill (like Plan B or Ella) and the copper intrauterine device (IUD). The morning-after pill can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but some formulations can be effective up to 120 hours. The copper IUD can be inserted by a healthcare provider and is the most effective form of emergency contraception.

Since you mentioned that you did not have ejaculation during intercourse, the risk of pregnancy is lower, but it is not zero. Pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, and if ovulation occurs, there is still a chance of pregnancy. Therefore, if you are feeling uncertain or anxious about the situation, it may be worth consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

In summary, given that you missed a pill and had unprotected intercourse shortly after, it is advisable to consider taking emergency contraception to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. Additionally, continue taking your birth control pills as scheduled to maintain contraceptive effectiveness moving forward. If you have any further questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance tailored to your specific situation.

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