Missed Birth Control Pills: What to Do Next?

Q: Missed Birth Control Pills: What to Do Next?

Hello, <br>Your inquiry is addressed as follows： Each type of combined oral contraceptive (COC) comes in different formulations, and it is important to take the pills as directed. <br>If you forget to take a pill, you should take it as soon as you remember, and continue taking th

Missed taking the oral contraceptive pill?

Your girlfriend has been taking the oral contraceptive pill (Yaz) for about five months.
She took the last white pill on February 7, and then forgot to take the pills for days 8, 9, and 10.
Today, her period has ended, and she remembered she forgot to take the pills, so she took two new pills.
In this case, is it true that taking the pills this month is ineffective, or can she start taking them from today as the first day?

Kai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/02/11

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello,
Your inquiry is addressed as follows: Each type of combined oral contraceptive (COC) comes in different formulations, and it is important to take the pills as directed.
If you forget to take a pill, you should take it as soon as you remember, and continue taking the next pill at the usual time.
If you miss a dose of an active pill for more than 12 hours, in addition to taking the missed pill, it is advisable to use an additional barrier method of contraception for the next seven days.
If you miss a dose for more than 24 hours, stop taking the current pack of pills and refrain from taking them for seven days (including the days you missed), then continue with the next cycle.
Combined oral contraceptives must be taken at the same time every day to achieve a 99% effectiveness rate.
If you miss a pill and do not experience the expected withdrawal bleeding during the placebo period, you should consider the possibility of pregnancy.

Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.

Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2021/02/11

More Info

When it comes to missed birth control pills, it's important to understand how to manage the situation effectively to maintain contraceptive efficacy and minimize the risk of unintended pregnancy. In your case, your girlfriend has been taking the birth control pill for about five months and missed three pills after her menstrual cycle. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to do next.

First, it’s crucial to recognize that missing pills can decrease the effectiveness of birth control. The specific actions to take depend on how many pills were missed and when they were missed in relation to the menstrual cycle. Since your girlfriend missed three pills in a row, she should follow the guidelines provided by her healthcare provider or the instructions that come with her specific birth control pill.

1. Taking Missed Pills: If she remembers to take the missed pills, she should take them as soon as she remembers. However, if she has missed more than one pill, she should only take the most recent missed pill and discard the others. This means she should not take more than one pill at a time to catch up.

2. Starting a New Pack: Since she has missed three pills, it is advisable to start a new pack of pills immediately. This means she should take the first pill of the new pack today. Starting a new pack will help regulate her cycle and ensure she is protected against pregnancy moving forward.

3. Backup Contraception: Given that she missed multiple pills, it is recommended to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for at least the next seven days after starting the new pack. This is to ensure that she is adequately protected against pregnancy during this time.

4. Monitoring for Side Effects: After resuming her pills, she should monitor her body for any unusual side effects or changes. Missing pills can sometimes lead to breakthrough bleeding or changes in her menstrual cycle. If she experiences significant discomfort or irregularities, she should consult her healthcare provider.

5. Consulting a Healthcare Provider: If there are any uncertainties or if she has further questions about her birth control method, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on her health history and the specific type of birth control she is using.

6. Understanding the Importance of Consistency: It’s essential to take birth control pills consistently at the same time every day to maintain their effectiveness. Setting reminders or using a pill organizer can help prevent missed doses in the future.

In summary, your girlfriend should take the most recent missed pill, start a new pack immediately, and use backup contraception for the next week. Consistency is key in preventing unintended pregnancies, and if she has any concerns, reaching out to a healthcare provider is always a wise choice.

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