Accidentally Taking Two Birth Control Pills: What You Need to Know - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Share to:

Accidentally taking two birth control pills at once?


Hello doctor, I have been taking the contraceptive pill Wenburen 28 for almost a year without missing any doses.
Yesterday, I had sexual intercourse and took my pill on time.
However, for some reason, I mistakenly thought I hadn’t taken my pill today, so I ended up taking two pills.
Will this dosage affect the effectiveness of the contraception? For example, if I take two pills today and one pill tomorrow, will it cause an imbalance? What is the likelihood of pregnancy? (I plan to refrain from sexual intercourse until I finish this pack.) Thank you for your help, doctor.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/15

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


No, it still has contraceptive effects, so there's no need to worry.
Generally speaking, it takes forgetting two consecutive days for contraceptive effectiveness to be compromised.

Reply Date: 2020/02/15

More Info


Accidentally taking two birth control pills in one day can be concerning, but it’s important to understand how this might affect your contraceptive effectiveness and what steps you should take moving forward.
First, let’s clarify what happened. You mentioned that you have been consistently taking your birth control pills (温不妊28) for almost a year without missing any doses. This consistency is crucial for maintaining effective contraception. When you accidentally took two pills in one day, it is generally not harmful. Most combination birth control pills contain a combination of estrogen and progestin, and taking an extra pill can lead to some side effects, such as nausea or spotting, but it typically does not significantly impact the overall effectiveness of the contraceptive method.

The general recommendation for situations like this is to continue taking your pills as scheduled. If you took two pills on the same day, you should still take your next pill at the usual time the following day. This means you would end up taking three pills over the course of two days, which is not ideal but usually does not compromise your contraceptive protection.
Regarding your concern about the risk of pregnancy, if you have been taking your pills correctly and consistently prior to this incident, your risk of becoming pregnant remains low. The effectiveness of birth control pills is based on their regular use, and since you have been diligent in taking them, the likelihood of pregnancy is minimal. However, if you have unprotected intercourse after taking two pills, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

If you experience any unusual symptoms after taking the extra pill, such as severe nausea or vomiting, it’s advisable to reach out to your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on managing any side effects and discuss whether any additional contraceptive measures are necessary, especially if you plan to have unprotected sex in the future.

In summary, while taking two birth control pills in one day is not ideal, it is unlikely to significantly affect your contraceptive effectiveness if you have been taking them consistently. Continue with your regular dosing schedule, and if you have any further concerns or experience side effects, consult your healthcare provider for tailored advice.
Additionally, if you are considering any changes to your contraceptive method or have questions about your reproductive health, it’s always beneficial to have an open dialogue with your healthcare provider. They can help you navigate any uncertainties and ensure that you are using the most effective method for your needs. Remember, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider is key to managing your reproductive health effectively.

Similar Q&A

Accidentally Taking Two Birth Control Pills: What You Need to Know

Hello Doctor, I am currently taking oral contraceptives. I just started a new pack and I took the third pill today. My alarm went off at noon, and in the rush, I thought I hadn't taken my pill yet, so I ended up taking another one. This happened to me last month as well beca...


Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Thank you for your question. If you forget to take the pill for one day, you can take it the next day and it will still be effective in preventing pregnancy. However, if you forget for more than two days, it will no longer be effective.

[Read More] Accidentally Taking Two Birth Control Pills: What You Need to Know


What to Do If You Accidentally Take Two Birth Control Pills?

Hello doctor, yesterday on January 13th, I thought I forgot to take my birth control pill, so I took an extra one, which means I took two pills that day. I also had unprotected intercourse (without ejaculation) that day. Today, I will take my next pill on time. Will the dosage of...


Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, this should be sufficient; there should be no risk of pregnancy, and there is no need to take any more medication. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] What to Do If You Accidentally Take Two Birth Control Pills?


Understanding Birth Control: What Happens If You Miss Pills Twice?

You are taking the Diane contraceptive pill and forgot to take it on Monday. On Tuesday at noon, you took two pills, and then forgot again on Friday. On Saturday at noon, you took two pills again, both times more than 12 hours late. The clinic doctor said that if you forget to ta...


Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, based on your description, it is recommended to stop taking the current contraceptive pills for seven days, and then continue with the next cycle. If a dose is missed and there is no expected withdrawal bleeding during the subsequent pill-free interval, pregnancy should be...

[Read More] Understanding Birth Control: What Happens If You Miss Pills Twice?


Missed Birth Control Pill: What to Do and How It Affects Your Cycle

If you missed your birth control pill on Monday and took your regular pill on Tuesday without realizing the missed dose, and then took two pills on Thursday after discovering the missed dose, here’s what you should do: 1. Continue taking your pills as scheduled. Since you took t...


Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, your inquiry is answered as follows: If you miss taking the pill for more than 24 hours, stop taking the current birth control pills and refrain from taking them for seven days (including the days you missed). Then, continue with the next cycle. If you miss a pill and do n...

[Read More] Missed Birth Control Pill: What to Do and How It Affects Your Cycle


Related FAQ

Birth Control Pills

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Emergency Contraceptive Pill

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Abortion Pill

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Medication To Delay Menstruation

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Drug Side Effects

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Drug Interactions

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Oral Contraceptives

(Pharmacology)

Menstrual Regulation Medication

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Dietary Supplements

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Medication Consultation

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)