Missed Birth Control Pill: What to Do and How It Affects Pregnancy Risk

Missed birth control pill?

Hello, doctor! I am currently taking the second pack of emergency contraceptive pills, starting from July 22 to August 11 (I take them consistently between 10:00 and 10:30 AM every day).
However, I forgot to take a pill on August 4 and only remembered in the afternoon of August 5, around 2 PM, so I took one pill immediately.
That evening, I took my regular dose at 10 PM, which means I took two pills that day.

1.
I would like to ask, in the case of a missed dose that exceeds 12 hours, what should be done to remedy the situation?
2.
After taking the missed pill, how long does it take for the contraceptive effect to stabilize and become effective?
3.
If I have unprotected intercourse in the following days, what is the likelihood of pregnancy?
Thank you, doctor, for your assistance!

kiwei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/11

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Currently taking the second pack of oral contraceptive pills from July 22 to August 11 (taken consistently between 10:00 and 10:30 AM daily).
However, I forgot to take a pill on August 4 and remembered around 2 PM on August 5, at which point I took one pill immediately.
That evening, I took my regular dose at 10 PM, so I ended up taking two pills that day.
1.
What should I do if I miss a dose and it's been more than 12 hours? Answer: Take the missed pill as soon as you remember.
2.
How long after taking the missed pill will the contraceptive effect stabilize and become safe? Answer: The contraceptive effect begins to stabilize immediately after taking the missed pill.
3.
If I have unprotected intercourse in the following days, what is the likelihood of pregnancy? Answer: The likelihood of pregnancy is low.

Reply Date: 2018/08/11

More Info

When it comes to missed birth control pills, it is essential to understand the implications for pregnancy risk and the appropriate steps to take. Birth control pills are designed to prevent ovulation and, when taken consistently and correctly, they are highly effective in preventing pregnancy. However, missing a pill can compromise this effectiveness, especially if the missed pill is not taken within the recommended time frame.

1. What to Do After Missing a Pill: If you forget to take a birth control pill and it has been more than 12 hours since your usual time, the first step is to take the missed pill as soon as you remember. Since you mentioned that you took the missed pill the next day and then continued with your regular schedule, you have taken the correct initial step. However, it is crucial to note that if you miss a pill and it is more than 12 hours late, the effectiveness of the pill may be reduced. In such cases, it is advisable to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for at least the next seven days to ensure protection against pregnancy.

2. How Long Until Contraceptive Effectiveness is Restored: After taking a missed pill, the contraceptive effect may not be fully restored immediately. Generally, if you have missed a pill and taken it late, you should consider using backup contraception for at least seven days. This is because it takes time for hormone levels to stabilize and for ovulation suppression to be fully effective again. If you miss more than one pill in a cycle, the guidance may vary slightly, and it is often recommended to consult the specific instructions provided with your birth control or speak with a healthcare provider for tailored advice.

3. Risk of Pregnancy After Missing a Pill: If you have unprotected intercourse after missing a pill and before the backup contraception is in place, there is an increased risk of pregnancy. The likelihood of conception depends on several factors, including where you are in your menstrual cycle at the time of unprotected intercourse. If you are close to ovulation, the risk of pregnancy is higher. If you are concerned about potential pregnancy after missing a pill, you may consider taking a home pregnancy test if your period is late or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, if you miss a birth control pill, take it as soon as you remember, but if it has been more than 12 hours, use backup contraception for at least seven days. Always consult the specific instructions for your birth control method, as different formulations may have varying guidelines. If you have further concerns about missed pills or pregnancy risk, it is advisable to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.

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