Missed Birth Control Pills: Should You Finish or Start Over? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

More Info

---

When it comes to missed birth control pills, it’s important to understand how to properly manage your medication to maintain effective contraception. In your case, you missed taking your birth control pills on September 28 and 29, and then took two pills on September 30 and October 1 to catch up. After having unprotected sex on October 7, you took emergency contraception within 12 hours. Now, you are wondering whether you should finish the remaining pills in your current pack and when to start your next pack.

Firstly, it’s crucial to note that if you miss one or two pills, the general recommendation is to take the missed pill as soon as you remember and continue taking the rest of the pills at your regular time. Since you missed two pills in a row, taking two pills on the following days was the right approach. However, since you had unprotected sex after missing pills, there is a slight risk of pregnancy, which is why you opted for emergency contraception.

Now, regarding your remaining pills, you should finish the current pack. Even though you took emergency contraception, it’s still advisable to complete the remaining pills in your pack to ensure that your hormone levels remain stable. Stopping the pills prematurely could lead to irregular bleeding or a disruption in your menstrual cycle.

As for when to start your next pack, you should begin taking the new pack on the same day you would normally start a new pack, which is typically the day after you finish the current pack. If your current pack has active pills left, continue taking them until they are all gone, and then start the new pack immediately after. This will help maintain consistent hormone levels and provide continuous contraceptive protection.

In summary, here’s what you should do:
1. Finish the remaining three pills in your current pack.

2. Start your next pack the day after you finish the current pack, regardless of whether you experience any bleeding or not.

It’s also important to monitor your body’s response after taking emergency contraception, as it can cause changes in your menstrual cycle. You may experience earlier or later bleeding than usual, and this is generally normal. If you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle or if you suspect you might be pregnant, it’s advisable to take a pregnancy test or consult with your healthcare provider for further guidance.

In conclusion, managing missed birth control pills can be straightforward if you follow the guidelines. Always prioritize completing your current pack and starting the next one on time to ensure effective contraception. If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice.