Oral Contraceptives: What to Do If You Miss a Pill

Oral contraceptives

If your girlfriend forgot to take her oral contraceptive on the 9th day of her cycle (in the 3rd month) and then took two pills the next day at her regular time, she should still be protected from pregnancy.
However, if she has unprotected intercourse on the 4th day after the missed pill, there is a slight risk of pregnancy, especially if the missed pill was during the first week of the pack.
It is advisable to use a backup contraceptive method, such as condoms, for at least 7 days after missing a pill to ensure maximum protection.
If there are any concerns about potential pregnancy, consider consulting a healthcare provider for further guidance.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/12/14

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

If your girlfriend forgot to take her oral contraceptive on the 9th day of her cycle (the 3rd month) and then took two pills the next day at her regular time, having unprotected intercourse on the 4th day after that will not result in pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2018/12/14

More Info

When it comes to oral contraceptives, consistency is key to maintaining their effectiveness. If your girlfriend missed a pill on the 9th day of her cycle, it's important to understand how to handle the situation to minimize the risk of unintended pregnancy.

First, if she remembers to take the missed pill within 24 hours of her usual time, she should take it as soon as she remembers. If she realizes the missed pill after 24 hours, she should take the missed pill immediately and continue taking the remaining pills as scheduled. In this case, if she took two pills the next day (the missed one and the regular one), she is on the right track. However, the effectiveness of the pill may be compromised depending on how many pills were missed and when they were missed in the cycle.

In the context of the menstrual cycle, the risk of pregnancy can vary depending on the timing of the missed pill. The first week of taking the pill is crucial for establishing contraceptive protection, and missing a pill during this time can significantly increase the risk of pregnancy. By the second week, the risk is generally lower, but it is still important to follow the guidelines for missed pills.

Regarding the sexual encounter on the fourth day after the missed pill, if she took the missed pill and continued taking her pills as directed, the risk of pregnancy is reduced but not entirely eliminated. The effectiveness of the pill can be compromised for up to seven days after missing a pill, especially if she missed more than one pill in a cycle. Therefore, if she had unprotected sex during this time, there is a possibility of pregnancy.

If there is concern about potential pregnancy, she may consider using emergency contraception (EC) as a backup method. EC is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be effective up to 5 days after. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on the appropriate type of EC and to discuss any further steps.

In summary, if your girlfriend missed a pill, she should take it as soon as she remembers and continue with her regular schedule. If she had unprotected sex after missing the pill, there is a risk of pregnancy, and considering emergency contraception may be a prudent option. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to discuss any concerns regarding contraceptive methods and sexual health.

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