Can You Get Pregnant While Taking Birth Control Pills?

Can I get pregnant?

Hello Doctor, I have been taking Yaz birth control pills for 10 months now.
I finished a whole pack from August 18 to September 24 (I take them at 10:30 PM).
However, during this time, I often forgot to take them, with the longest gap being about 15 hours.
When I realized I missed a dose, I took one immediately and then took another one at 10:30 PM, which means I took two pills that day.
Is this correct?
Additionally, I had sexual intercourse between September 12 and September 14, with ejaculation on the 14th, which was also the first day of my period.
I continued taking the new Yaz pills during this time, but I also missed doses by more than 12 hours and took two pills on those days as well.
Is there a chance I could be pregnant? What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/09/19

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I have been taking the contraceptive pill Yaz for 10 months.
I finished a whole pack from August 18 to September 24, taking it at 10:30 PM each night.
However, I often forgot to take it, with the longest time I forgot being around 15 hours.
When I realized I missed a dose, I took one pill immediately and then took another at 10:30 PM, resulting in taking two pills that day.
Is this correct? Answer: Yes, that is correct.

Between September 12 and September 14, I had sexual intercourse, and on the 14th, there was ejaculation (which was also the first day of my period).
My period lasted until September 19, and during this time, I continued taking the new pack of Yaz, but I also missed doses by more than 12 hours and took two pills on the same day.
Is there a chance I could become pregnant? What is the likelihood of pregnancy? Answer: There is no chance of pregnancy in this situation.

Reply Date: 2019/09/19

More Info

When it comes to the effectiveness of birth control pills, consistency is key. Birth control pills, like the one you mentioned (Yaz), are designed to prevent ovulation and thus reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. However, their effectiveness can be compromised if doses are missed or taken irregularly.

From your description, it appears that you have missed doses of your birth control pill on several occasions, with the longest delay being around 15 hours. According to the guidelines for most combination birth control pills, if you miss a pill and take it within 24 hours of your usual time, you should still be protected from pregnancy. However, if you miss a pill and it has been more than 24 hours, the effectiveness of the pill can be reduced, and additional contraceptive methods (like condoms) are recommended for at least the next seven days.

In your case, since you mentioned that you had unprotected intercourse on September 12-14, and you also experienced a missed pill during that time, there is a possibility that your contraceptive protection was compromised. The fact that you had your period starting on the 14th indicates that you likely did not conceive, as menstruation typically occurs when pregnancy does not happen. However, since you had unprotected sex just before your period, the risk of pregnancy cannot be completely ruled out, especially given the missed pills.

Taking two pills in one day after realizing you missed one is generally acceptable, but it’s crucial to follow the specific instructions provided with your medication. If you find yourself frequently forgetting to take your pills, you might want to consider alternative birth control methods that do not require daily attention, such as an IUD, implant, or the birth control patch. These methods can provide more consistent protection without the need for daily adherence.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, you may consider taking a home pregnancy test if your next period is late. Additionally, if you have any further questions or concerns about your birth control method or potential pregnancy, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current situation.

In summary, while the chances of getting pregnant while on birth control pills are generally low, missing doses can increase that risk. It’s essential to take your pills consistently and to consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your contraceptive method or potential pregnancy.

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