What to Do If You Missed a Birth Control Pill for a Day?

I missed taking my birth control pill for one day, but I realized it several days later?

Hello, doctor.
I am currently taking Yaz.
I realized that I missed one pill during the first 7 days, but I only found out later and I don't know exactly which day it was.
On March 21, I had sexual intercourse with a condom, and I withdrew before ejaculation.
I plan to take two pills on March 22.
Will I get pregnant from this? Do I need to take emergency contraception? (On the 21st and 22nd, I experienced slight cramping and had a little bit of brownish discharge indicating my period.)

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/03/22

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, you should not be pregnant; just monitor the situation.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/03/22

More Info

If you missed a birth control pill for a day, it’s important to take the right steps to minimize the risk of unintended pregnancy. In your case, since you mentioned that you are taking Yaz (悅姿), which is a combination oral contraceptive, here’s what you should know and do.

First, if you realize that you missed a pill, the general recommendation is to take the missed pill as soon as you remember. If you missed it within 24 hours, you should take it immediately and continue taking the rest of your pills as scheduled. If you missed it for more than 24 hours, the guidance can vary slightly depending on where you are in your pill pack.

Since you mentioned that you had unprotected intercourse on March 21 and that you are unsure which day you missed the pill, it’s crucial to consider the timing. If you missed a pill during the first week of your pack and had unprotected sex, there is a possibility of pregnancy, especially if you did not use any backup contraception. However, since you used a condom during intercourse, this significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy, provided the condom did not break or slip.

Taking two pills on March 22, as you plan to do, is generally acceptable if you missed one pill. This is in line with the instructions for combination pills. However, if you missed more than one pill or if you are unsure about the timing, it may be wise to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Regarding the need for emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill"), it is typically recommended if you had unprotected intercourse and missed a pill in the first week of your pack. Since you had a condom in place, the risk is lower, but if you have any doubts or if the missed pill was in the first week, taking emergency contraception could provide additional peace of mind.

The symptoms you are experiencing, such as the feeling of impending menstruation and slight spotting, could be related to hormonal fluctuations from missing the pill. It’s not uncommon to experience changes in your menstrual cycle when you miss a pill, but it’s essential to monitor any unusual symptoms.

In summary, here are the steps you should take:
1. Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, and continue with your regular schedule.

2. Since you had protected intercourse, the risk of pregnancy is lower, but if you are concerned, consider taking emergency contraception.

3. Monitor your symptoms and consider consulting your healthcare provider for further guidance, especially if you have any unusual changes in your cycle or if you continue to feel uncertain about your contraceptive method.

Remember, consistent use of birth control is key to its effectiveness, and if you find it challenging to remember to take your pill daily, you might want to discuss alternative contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider.

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