Missed Birth Control Pill: What to Do for Effective Contraception?

Forgot to take medication in the third week?

You have been taking the contraceptive pill for three weeks, but you forgot to take a pill yesterday (Wednesday).
Today at 7:03 PM, you took two pills to make up for the missed dose, but then you vomited at 7:30 PM due to feeling unwell.
Should you stop taking the remaining pills? If so, how should you proceed with the new pack? Will you still have contraceptive effectiveness?

Xiao Chen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/01/14

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, take the remaining medication tomorrow until it's finished; it still has some contraceptive effect.
It's best to use a condom for extra protection.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/01/14

More Info

When it comes to missed birth control pills, it's essential to understand how to manage the situation effectively to maintain contraceptive efficacy. In your case, you missed a pill during the third week of your pack, took it the next day, but then vomited shortly after. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you should do next.

First, if you miss a pill, the general recommendation is to take it as soon as you remember. Since you did take the missed pill the next day, you are on the right track. However, vomiting within two hours of taking a pill can prevent your body from absorbing the hormone, which means that the pill may not be effective. In this situation, you should consider the following steps:
1. Continue Taking Your Pills: If you vomited after taking the missed pill, you should continue taking the remaining pills in the pack as scheduled. Do not stop taking the rest of the pills unless advised by your healthcare provider.

2. Use Backup Contraception: Since there is a possibility that the missed pill and the subsequent one you took may not have been effective due to vomiting, it is advisable to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for at least the next seven days. This will help prevent unintended pregnancy during this time.

3. Follow the Pack Instructions: After finishing your current pack, you should start the next pack as scheduled. If you have any pills left in your current pack, take them as directed. If you have any doubts about how to proceed, consult the instructions that came with your birth control or speak with your healthcare provider.

4. Consider Emergency Contraception: If you had unprotected intercourse during the time you missed the pill and are concerned about the risk of pregnancy, you might want to consider emergency contraception. This is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours.

5. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: If you find yourself frequently forgetting to take your pills or are unsure about the effectiveness of your current method of contraception, it may be beneficial to discuss alternative contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider. There are various options available, including long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs or implants, which do not require daily attention.

In summary, after missing a birth control pill and experiencing vomiting, continue taking your pills, use backup contraception for at least seven days, and consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice. It’s crucial to stay informed about your contraceptive method and to have a plan in place for missed doses to ensure effective pregnancy prevention.

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