Missed Birth Control Pills: Pregnancy Risks After Two Days

Missed two days of the contraceptive pill?

Hello doctor, my girlfriend forgot to take her birth control pills on July 14 and 15.
However, she took two pills on the night of July 16.
We had unprotected intercourse with ejaculation on the morning of July 17, and she took two more pills that night.
I'm wondering if this increases the chance of pregnancy.

Apo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/07/18

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Your girlfriend forgot to take her birth control pills on July 14 and 15, but she took two pills on the evening of July 16.
Then, on the morning of July 17, you had intercourse with ejaculation, and she took two more pills that evening.
Based on this information, taking the missed pills as directed does not significantly increase the chance of pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2017/07/18

More Info

When it comes to missed birth control pills, understanding the risks of unintended pregnancy is crucial. In your case, your girlfriend missed taking her birth control pills on July 14 and 15, but she took two pills on July 16 to catch up. Then, you had unprotected intercourse on July 17, which raises some concerns about the possibility of pregnancy.

Birth control pills are designed to maintain consistent hormone levels in the body to prevent ovulation. When pills are missed, especially in the first two weeks of a new pack, the risk of ovulation increases, which can lead to a higher chance of pregnancy if unprotected intercourse occurs. The general recommendation is that if a woman misses one pill, she should take it as soon as she remembers and continue taking the rest of the pills as scheduled. If two pills are missed in a row, as in your girlfriend's case, the guidelines suggest taking the missed pills as soon as possible and using a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for at least seven days.

In your situation, since your girlfriend took two pills on July 16 and then had unprotected sex on July 17, there is a possibility that she may not have been fully protected against pregnancy. The effectiveness of the birth control pill can be compromised when pills are missed, and even though she took the missed pills, it may not be enough to prevent ovulation, especially if she had already ovulated before taking the pills.

If your girlfriend is concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, she may consider taking a home pregnancy test if her period is late. Additionally, if she is worried about the risk of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, she may also consider emergency contraception (commonly known as the "morning-after pill"). Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be effective up to five days after.

It is also important to note that if your girlfriend experiences any unusual symptoms, such as a missed period, nausea, or breast tenderness, she should consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

In summary, while there is a risk of pregnancy due to missed pills and unprotected intercourse, taking the missed pills as soon as possible and using backup contraception can help mitigate that risk. If there are concerns about pregnancy, taking a pregnancy test or consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable.

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