Pregnancy Chances After Missed Birth Control Pills

Probability of Pregnancy

Hello Doctor, my last menstrual period was from December 17 to December 21.
I have been taking the oral contraceptive pill for a while, and my cycle is quite regular, around 28.5 days.
I was supposed to take the first pill of this cycle on the evening of December 21, but I forgot to buy it and took it the next morning at 9 AM, which was within 12 hours.
Then, on the evening of December 22, I also forgot to take it, so I took two pills on the evening of December 23.

On December 28, which was two days before my estimated ovulation, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend.
We used a condom throughout, but after the first ejaculation, we changed to a new condom.
I wiped my boyfriend's genital area before putting on the new condom, but I'm not sure if there was any leakage from the first condom.

What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? I'm very worried because I missed taking the pill twice.
Although I took the first missed pill within 12 hours, I forgot to take it the next day and only took it the day after.
Does this still provide contraceptive effectiveness?

Xiao Yun, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/01/12

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it should still be safe.
Generally, if you forget to take a birth control pill, you can take it the next day.
If this situation occurs again and you're concerned, you can continue taking your regular birth control pills and also consider taking emergency contraception.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/01/12

More Info

When it comes to understanding the chances of pregnancy after missed birth control pills, it's essential to consider several factors, including the timing of missed doses, the type of birth control being used, and the circumstances surrounding unprotected intercourse.

In your case, you mentioned that you have been taking birth control pills regularly for some time, which is a good start for effective contraception. However, missing doses can significantly impact the effectiveness of the pill. The general guideline for combination oral contraceptives (which are the most common type) is that if you miss a pill by more than 12 hours, the effectiveness may be compromised. Since you missed your pill on December 22 and took two pills on December 23, you did not exceed the 12-hour window for the first missed pill, but the second missed pill could potentially reduce the contraceptive effect.

You also mentioned having unprotected intercourse on December 28, which is close to your estimated ovulation period. This timing is crucial because sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, and if ovulation occurs shortly after intercourse, there is a possibility of fertilization. The fact that you used condoms during intercourse adds another layer of protection, but as you noted, there is always a risk of condom failure, such as breakage or slippage.

Given these circumstances, your chances of becoming pregnant are not negligible, but they are also not guaranteed. The missed pills could have reduced the effectiveness of your birth control, and while the use of condoms provides additional protection, it is not infallible. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, you may want to consider taking a home pregnancy test if your period is late, or consult with your healthcare provider for further guidance.

In addition to this, if you find that you are frequently missing pills, it may be worth discussing alternative contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider. Options such as the contraceptive implant, IUD, or even the patch may provide more reliable contraception without the need for daily adherence.

In summary, while the missed pills and the timing of intercourse do raise concerns about the possibility of pregnancy, the use of condoms does provide a level of protection. Monitoring your menstrual cycle and being aware of any changes can help you assess your situation better. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support.

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