Missed Birth Control Pill: Risk of Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex

Missed birth control pill?

Hello doctor, I have been taking birth control pills for three months, specifically the Chinese brand Yasmine.
During my ovulation period, I forgot to take a pill one day and it was more than 12 hours late.
I had unprotected intercourse and ejaculation occurred before I took the missed pill.
Will I become pregnant? I took the missed pill as soon as I realized, but it was already 20 hours later than my usual time.

k, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/08

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, generally it does not have an impact.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/09/08

More Info

When it comes to missed birth control pills and the risk of pregnancy, it's important to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and the implications of missing a dose. Birth control pills, like the one you mentioned (Yasmin, or in your case, a similar formulation from China), are designed to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant. However, their effectiveness can be compromised if pills are missed.

In your situation, since you missed a pill during your ovulation period and had unprotected intercourse (with ejaculation) more than 12 hours after the scheduled time for taking the pill, there is indeed a risk of pregnancy. The general guideline for most combination birth control pills is that if you miss a pill and it's been more than 12 hours, the effectiveness of the pill is reduced. Since you had unprotected sex after missing the pill, sperm could potentially fertilize an egg if ovulation occurred.

After missing a pill, it is recommended to take the missed pill as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day. However, since you mentioned that you took the missed pill 20 hours late, this could further decrease the effectiveness of the contraceptive method. The risk of pregnancy increases significantly if unprotected intercourse occurs during the time when ovulation is likely.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it may be advisable to take a home pregnancy test if your period is late by a week or more. Additionally, if you are worried about the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex, you might consider emergency contraception (like Plan B or Levonorgestrel) if it is within the appropriate time frame (typically within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, but some options can be taken up to 5 days later).

Regarding your concerns about the health of a potential pregnancy, if you do find out that you are pregnant, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on prenatal care and address any concerns you may have regarding the health of the fetus, especially considering the missed pill and any other factors.

In summary, missing a birth control pill, especially during ovulation, can increase the risk of pregnancy. If you are concerned about this possibility, taking a pregnancy test and consulting with a healthcare provider for further advice is the best course of action. Remember, consistent use of birth control pills is key to their effectiveness, and if you find that you are frequently forgetting to take your pills, you may want to discuss alternative contraceptive methods with your doctor.

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