Can Missing a Birth Control Pill Lead to Pregnancy Risks?

Is it possible to get pregnant?

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 regular pill at 10 PM that night.
I had unprotected intercourse on December 7th and December 9th.
Will taking the missed pill affect the contraceptive effectiveness? Is there a possibility of pregnancy?

Ms. Chen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/14

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, you should not be pregnant.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/12/14

More Info

Missing a birth control pill can indeed lead to potential risks of unintended pregnancy, depending on various factors such as the type of pill being used, when the pill was missed, and how soon it was taken again. In your case, since you are on a combined oral contraceptive pill and you missed a dose, it is important to understand how to manage this situation effectively.

When you miss a pill, the general recommendation is to take it as soon as you remember. Since you remembered to take the missed pill the next morning, you have mitigated some of the risks associated with missing a dose. However, the effectiveness of the pill can be compromised if you miss a dose, especially if you miss two or more pills in a row or if you miss a pill during the first week of starting a new pack.

In your specific scenario, since you missed the pill on December 5 and took it the following morning (December 6), you should still be protected from pregnancy, especially since you resumed taking your pills as scheduled. However, it is crucial to consider the timing of unprotected intercourse. If you had unprotected sex on December 7 and 9, there is a slight risk of pregnancy, particularly if the missed pill was close to your ovulation period.

The effectiveness of birth control pills is generally high, around 91% with typical use, but this can drop if pills are missed. If you miss a pill and have unprotected sex, it is advisable to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, until you have taken your pills consistently for seven consecutive days again.

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 if you experience any unusual symptoms. Additionally, if you find that you frequently forget to take your pill, you might want to discuss alternative contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider, such as an intrauterine device (IUD), implant, or other long-acting reversible contraceptives that do not require daily attention.

In summary, while missing a birth control pill can lead to risks of unintended pregnancy, taking the missed pill as soon as you remember and continuing with your regular schedule can help maintain contraceptive effectiveness. However, if you have concerns about your specific situation, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.

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