Missed Birth Control Pill: Risk of Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex?

Missing a dose of birth control pills and then engaging in sexual intercourse?

You started taking the contraceptive pill on the third day of your period, August 13.
You missed one pill on August 19 and did not take it afterward.
Since then, you have been taking one pill daily until today, August 29.
You had unprotected intercourse in the afternoon of August 29, but there was no ejaculation inside.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy?

Miss Luo, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/30

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello,
Each type of combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) comes in different formulations.
It is important to take the contraceptive 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 more than 12 hours have passed since the missed dose of an active pill, in addition to taking the missed pill, it is advisable to use an additional barrier method of contraception for the next seven days.

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 after continuing to take the pills, you should consider the possibility of pregnancy.

Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.

Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2022/08/30

More Info

When it comes to missed birth control pills and the risk of pregnancy after unprotected sex, it's important to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and the implications of missing a dose. Birth control pills, such as the one you mentioned (Yasmin), are designed to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. However, their effectiveness can be compromised if pills are missed.

In your case, you started taking the pill on August 13, and you missed a dose on August 19. Since you did not take the missed pill, your hormone levels may have fluctuated, which can potentially lead to ovulation. The risk of pregnancy is highest if you have unprotected sex during the time when you are ovulating. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before your next expected period, but it can vary based on individual cycles.

Given that you had unprotected sex on August 29, which is about ten days after you missed your pill, there is a possibility that you could have ovulated during that time, especially since you did not take the missed pill. While the likelihood of pregnancy is not guaranteed, it is certainly a risk. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, you may want to consider taking a home pregnancy test if your period is late or consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance.

Additionally, if you find yourself frequently missing pills, it might be worth discussing alternative contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider. Options such as the contraceptive patch, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or implants may offer more consistent protection without the need for daily adherence.

If you do suspect that you might be pregnant, it's essential to seek medical advice. Early prenatal care is crucial for the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. If you have been drinking alcohol or engaging in other activities that could affect a potential pregnancy, it's important to discuss these with your healthcare provider as well.

In summary, missing a birth control pill can increase the risk of pregnancy, especially if unprotected sex occurs afterward. If you are worried about the possibility of pregnancy, consider taking a pregnancy test and consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and support.

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