Missed Birth Control Pills: What to Do When Your Period Arrives Early

Missed the first day of menstruation while taking Wenburen 28?

Hello, I have been taking the oral contraceptive pill Wenbu Nü 28 for two months, but I forgot to take it for the last four days, and my period came early.
I no longer have any oral contraceptives at home to continue taking.
If I restart taking the pill now, is it okay to take two pills on the second day after missing the first day? If I cannot start from the second day, I will have to wait until next month to restart.
How long will the contraceptive effect last during the period when I am not taking the oral contraceptive? Thank you.

Guo, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/05

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, start taking the contraceptive pill on the fifth day of your menstrual period.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/07/05

More Info

When it comes to missed birth control pills and the early arrival of your period, it's important to understand how oral contraceptives work and what steps you can take to ensure effective contraception moving forward.

Firstly, if you miss taking your birth control pills, especially during the last week of your pack, it can lead to a higher chance of breakthrough bleeding or an early period. This is because the hormone levels in your body may drop when you miss doses, which can disrupt your menstrual cycle. In your case, since you missed the last four pills of your pack, it is likely that the early arrival of your period is a direct result of this missed medication.

If you find yourself in a situation where you have missed pills, the general recommendation is to take the missed pill as soon as you remember. If you remember on the same day, you can take it right away and continue with your regular schedule. However, if you miss multiple pills, the guidance can vary slightly depending on how many you missed and when you missed them.

In your specific case, since you mentioned that you have no pills left to continue taking, you have a couple of options:
1. Restarting the Pill: If you decide to restart the pill after your period, you can begin taking it again as soon as your next cycle starts. However, if you start taking the pill after missing several doses, you may not be fully protected against pregnancy until you have taken the pill consistently for seven days. This means that if you have unprotected intercourse during this time, there is a risk of pregnancy.

2. Using Backup Contraception: Since you will not have the full contraceptive effect immediately upon restarting the pill, consider using a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, until you have taken the pill for at least seven consecutive days. This will help ensure that you are protected against unintended pregnancy during the time it takes for the pill to become effective again.

3. Consulting with a Healthcare Provider: If you are unsure about what to do next or have specific concerns about your situation, it is always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your health history and contraceptive needs.

Regarding the effectiveness of the pill, it is important to note that oral contraceptives are designed to be taken consistently every day to maintain hormone levels that prevent ovulation. If you miss doses, the effectiveness can decrease, and you may not be protected against pregnancy. The effectiveness of the pill can also be influenced by other factors, such as gastrointestinal issues (vomiting or diarrhea) or interactions with other medications.

In summary, if your period arrives early due to missed pills, you should restart your birth control as soon as your next cycle begins, but be aware that you may need to use additional contraception for the first week. Always consult with your healthcare provider for the best course of action tailored to your individual circumstances.

Similar Q&A

Missed Birth Control Pills: What to Do When Your Period Arrives Early

Hello, I have been taking the oral contraceptive Wenburen 28 for two months, but I forgot to take it for the last four days, and my period came early. I no longer have any oral contraceptives at home to continue taking. If I start taking them again now, is it okay to take two pil...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, start taking the contraceptive pill on the fifth day of your menstrual period. If you forget to take it on the first day, you should take two pills the next day to ensure contraceptive effectiveness. Wishing you good health!

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