Missed Birth Control Pill: Risks and Remedies for Pregnancy Concerns

Missed birth control pill?

Hello Doctor, I discovered on July 16 that I missed one dose of my birth control pill, so I took two pills that day.
However, I confirmed that I took my medication the day before (July 15) but I can't remember exactly which day I missed.
In any case, I had missed a dose without realizing it and continued taking one pill a day until I noticed the missed dose on July 16.
I suspect that I missed a pill within the previous seven days (July 11-15), and I had unprotected intercourse with ejaculation on both July 12 and July 15.
I would like to know if there is a risk of pregnancy and what steps I should take to remedy the situation.

QQ, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/07/16

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, continue taking the contraceptive pills.
If you're still concerned, you can take emergency contraception just in case.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/07/16

More Info

When it comes to missed birth control pills, it's important to understand the implications and potential risks associated with missed doses, especially regarding the possibility of unintended pregnancy. In your case, you mentioned that you missed a pill and took two the next day, which is a common approach to mitigate the risk of pregnancy. However, the timing of your missed pill and the sexual activity that occurred during that time frame are crucial factors to consider.

Birth control pills work primarily by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. If you miss a pill, especially during the first week of a new pack, the risk of ovulation increases, which can lead to potential pregnancy if unprotected intercourse occurs. Since you had sexual intercourse on July 12 and July 15, and you suspect that you missed a pill during that week, there is a possibility of pregnancy.

The general recommendation for missed pills varies depending on the type of birth control pill you are using (combination or progestin-only). For combination pills, if you miss one pill, you should take it as soon as you remember and continue taking the rest of the pills as scheduled. If you miss two or more pills, the guidance typically suggests using a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for at least seven days after the missed pills. In your case, since you missed a pill and had unprotected sex, you may want to consider emergency contraception (EC) if it is within the appropriate time frame (usually within 72 to 120 hours after unprotected intercourse, depending on the type of EC).

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, taking a home pregnancy test after a missed period can provide clarity. If the test is positive, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss your options and next steps.

In addition to considering emergency contraception, it is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about your birth control method. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and the specific type of birth control you are using. If you find that you are frequently missing pills, it may be worth discussing alternative contraceptive methods that may better suit your lifestyle, such as long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs or implants, which do not require daily attention.

In summary, while there is a risk of pregnancy due to missed pills and unprotected intercourse, there are remedies available, including emergency contraception. It is crucial to act quickly and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to explore the best contraceptive options moving forward.

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

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