Can Missing Birth Control Pills Lead to Pregnancy Risks?

Medication issues + Is there a possibility of pregnancy?

I started taking the oral contraceptive pill, Yejih, on September 11th (first time using it).
I forgot to take the second to last pill, and after researching online, I found that I could stop the medication and start a new pack seven days later, so I stopped on October 1st.
My period started on October 5th, and I began taking the new pill, Aiji, on the evening of October 8th (as advised by the pharmacist).
I had unprotected intercourse on October 11th and October 14th.

My questions are:
1.
Is this method of taking the medication correct? (Stopping after forgetting the last two pills and then starting a new pack)
2.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy from the unprotected intercourse on those two days?

Ms. Chen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/10/15

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, this should be fine; you are unlikely to become pregnant.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/10/15

More Info

Missing birth control pills can indeed lead to pregnancy risks, and understanding how to manage missed doses is crucial for effective contraception. In your case, you started taking the birth control pill "Yueji" on September 11, and you missed the second-to-last pill before stopping the medication entirely on October 1. You then began a new pack of a different pill, "Aiji," on October 8.
1. Is this the correct way to take the pills?
When you miss a birth control pill, the general recommendation is to take the missed pill as soon as you remember. If you miss two or more pills, especially in the first two weeks of a pack, the advice can vary depending on the specific pill formulation. In most cases, if you miss a pill, you should continue taking the remaining pills in the pack and use backup contraception (like condoms) for at least seven days. Since you stopped taking the pills entirely after missing one, this could potentially leave you unprotected during that time.
The best practice is to follow the instructions provided with your specific birth control pill, as different formulations may have different guidelines. If you are unsure, consulting with a healthcare provider or pharmacist is always a good idea.

2. Is there a possibility of pregnancy from unprotected sex on October 11 and 14?
Yes, there is a possibility of pregnancy from unprotected sex during that time. When you missed pills and then switched to a new pack without completing the previous one, your hormone levels may not have been stable, which can reduce the effectiveness of the birth control. The risk of pregnancy is particularly heightened if you had unprotected intercourse during the first week of starting a new pack, as it typically takes about seven days for the new pill to become effective.
Given that you had unprotected sex on October 11 and 14, and considering the timeline of your missed pills and the switch to a new medication, it would be wise to take a pregnancy test if your next period is late. Additionally, if you are concerned about the risk of pregnancy, you might consider emergency contraception, which is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse.

In summary, missing birth control pills can indeed lead to risks of unintended pregnancy, particularly if the missed doses are not managed correctly. It's essential to follow the guidelines for missed pills closely and to use backup contraception if you are unsure about your protection status. If you have further questions or concerns, please consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

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