Emergency Contraception: What to Do If You Miss Birth Control Pills

Emergency contraceptive pill

Hello doctor, I would like to ask, if I forgot to take my pill on Friday, didn't realize it on Saturday and only took one pill, then on Sunday I realized and took two pills, do I still need to buy emergency contraception? (I had been taking my medication normally without missing any doses before Friday) Thank you, doctor.

Liu Xiaojie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/02/12

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

You do not need to buy emergency contraception.

Reply Date: 2018/02/12

More Info

When it comes to emergency contraception and missed birth control pills, it's essential to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and the implications of missing doses. Birth control pills are designed to maintain consistent hormone levels in your body to prevent ovulation, and missing a dose can disrupt this balance.

In your case, you mentioned that you missed taking your pill on Friday and only took one pill on Saturday, then took two pills on Sunday after realizing the mistake. The general recommendation for combination birth control pills (which contain both estrogen and progestin) is as follows:
1. If you miss one pill: Take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day. Continue taking the rest of your pills as scheduled. In this scenario, since you took one pill on Saturday and two on Sunday, you have effectively caught up on your missed dose.

2. If you miss two or more pills: The guidance can vary depending on how many pills you missed and when you missed them in your cycle. If you miss two pills in a row during the first two weeks of your cycle, you should take the last missed pill as soon as you remember and discard the other missed pill. Then, continue taking your pills as scheduled. However, you should use backup contraception (like condoms) for the next seven days.

3. Emergency Contraception: If you had unprotected intercourse during the time you missed your pill, and especially if it was within the week after you missed the pill, you may want to consider emergency contraception (EC). EC is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours, but some forms can be effective up to 5 days after.
Given that you were consistent with your pill-taking before the missed dose and have taken steps to catch up, the likelihood of ovulation being disrupted is lower. However, if you had unprotected sex during the time you missed your pill, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider about the need for emergency contraception.

In summary, since you have taken steps to correct your missed pill, you may not need emergency contraception if you have not had unprotected sex during that time. However, if you are unsure or if you had unprotected intercourse, it is always best to err on the side of caution and consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and help you understand your options moving forward.
Additionally, it’s crucial to establish a routine for taking your birth control pills to minimize the chances of missing a dose in the future. Setting reminders on your phone or using a pill organizer can be helpful strategies. If you find that you are frequently forgetting to take your pills, you might want to discuss alternative forms of contraception with your healthcare provider, such as an IUD or implant, which do not require daily attention.

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