Missed Birth Control Pill: Am I at Risk of Pregnancy This Month?

If you miss taking the birth control pill during the first week and have unprotected sex within the next seven days, there is a risk of becoming pregnant. It is recommended to use backup contraception, such as condoms, during this time to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy?

Hello, Doctor.
I have a history of taking oral contraceptives regularly, with a stable 28-day cycle, starting the pills on the fifth day of my menstrual period.
This month, I have already completed my sixth pack of the contraceptive pill, but I forgot to take the second pill of this pack and took it the next day (more than 12 hours late).
The instructions indicate that if a pill is missed in the first week, double contraception should be used for the next seven days.
However, I had sexual intercourse with my partner on the fourth day, and my partner did not wear a condom properly throughout; there was external rubbing, and he entered without a condom (but withdrew within a minute).
Although there was no ejaculation inside, I am still very anxious since it is close to my ovulation period.
An hour and a half after the intercourse, I immediately bought and took emergency contraception (Plan B).
I would like to ask if there is still a risk of pregnancy in this situation.
If I had not taken the emergency contraception, would the timing and actions described above potentially lead to pregnancy? Thank you for your response, Doctor!

Yan, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/28

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, since you have taken the emergency contraceptive pill, the chances of pregnancy should be low.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/08/28

More Info

When it comes to missed birth control pills and the associated risk of pregnancy, it’s important to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and the implications of missing a dose. Birth control pills are designed to maintain consistent hormone levels in the body, which prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining. Missing a pill can disrupt this hormonal balance, potentially leading to ovulation and an increased risk of pregnancy.

In your case, you mentioned that you missed a pill from the second day of your new pack and took it the following day, albeit more than 12 hours late. According to most guidelines, if a pill is missed and taken more than 12 hours late, it may not provide adequate contraceptive protection for that cycle. Since you had unprotected intercourse during this time, there is a possibility of pregnancy, especially since you were close to your ovulation period.

The fact that you took emergency contraception (Plan B or similar) within an hour and a half after the sexual encounter is a positive step. Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but they can work up to 120 hours (5 days) after. The sooner you take it, the higher the efficacy, which is about 75-89% depending on how soon after the intercourse it is taken. However, ECPs are not 100% effective, and their effectiveness can be influenced by where you are in your menstrual cycle.

Given that you had unprotected sex during a time when you were at risk of ovulation, and considering that you missed a pill, there is still a small chance of pregnancy even after taking the emergency contraception. If you do not get your period within a week of when you expect it, or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it would be wise to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant.

In the future, to minimize the risk of unintended pregnancy, it’s crucial to establish a routine for taking your birth control pills at the same time every day. Setting reminders on your phone or using a pill organizer can help. If you find that you frequently forget to take your pill, you might want to discuss with your healthcare provider about alternative contraceptive methods that may be more suitable for you, such as an intrauterine device (IUD) or a contraceptive implant, which require less daily management.

In summary, while you have taken steps to mitigate the risk of pregnancy by using emergency contraception, there is still a possibility of pregnancy due to the missed pill and the timing of your sexual activity. Monitoring your menstrual cycle and taking a pregnancy test if your period is late will provide clarity on your situation. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to discuss any concerns regarding your contraceptive methods.

Similar Q&A

Does Missing a Birth Control Pill Increase Pregnancy Risk?

Hello Dr. Lin, I take my oral contraceptive pill every night at 11 PM. However, I have encountered a problem recently. My last menstrual period was from February 21 to February 27, with a little bleeding still on the 27th. By February 28, there was no bleeding at all, and that ni...

Dr. Lin Zhaopei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. If you have been taking birth control pills for a while, missing one day is usually not a major issue. 2. It is important to take them at the same time each day or to remember to take them consistently.

Can Missing a Birth Control Pill Lead to Pregnancy Risks?

I have been taking the oral contraceptive pill for four months, consistently at 9 to 10 PM. I started this month's first pill on December 3rd, but I forgot to take the pill on the night of December 5th (Saturday). I remembered to take it at 8 AM on December 6th and took the ...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, you should not be pregnant. Wishing you good health.

Understanding the Risks of Pregnancy After Missed Birth Control Pills

You have been taking oral contraceptives for three months. Your menstrual period started on April 2, and on the fifth day, April 6, you forgot to take your pill. You took two pills on April 7 and continued to take one pill daily at the regular time. On April 22, you had intercour...

Dr. Lin Xinwang reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: The success rate of taking oral contraceptives correctly is approximately 95%. If you are using them correctly, the likelihood of becoming pregnant is low.

Am I Pregnant? Understanding Risks After Missed Birth Control Pills

Hello, Doctor. I have been taking the medication for over four years continuously, using 52 packs, and I only stopped for one month in 2018. However, I am concerned that my menstrual cycle may advance month after month, making it difficult to track the dates, and sudden onset can...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the inquirer: In the early stages of pregnancy, there may not be specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be used to make a determination. It is recommended that you check for pregnancy or consult a physician to evaluate the symptoms mentioned. Thank you! Wishing ...