Missed Birth Control Pill: What to Do and Potential Risks

I realized on the last day that I missed taking one dose of the emergency contraceptive pill?

On the evening of November 22 (Tuesday), I realized that I had missed a dose of medication the day before, even though I was certain I had taken my medication.
It turns out that I had missed a pill earlier, and on that Tuesday, I took two pills at once.
I feel that I might have forgotten to take my medication in the last few days.
My period usually starts on the fourth day after finishing the medication, but it hasn't arrived yet on the fourth day.
The missed pill was not from one or two weeks ago; it should be from the last few days.
Doctor, will this cause any issues? Additionally, I have been drinking health tea that contains ingredients such as Poria, Papaya, Jujube, Barley, Kudzu, and Licorice.
I make sure to space out the time between drinking the tea and taking my medication by a few hours.
Will this affect the efficacy of the medication?

Xiao Mei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/12/17

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, please wait a bit longer.
If you haven't gotten your period after a week, it's advisable to see a gynecologist.
If your period does come, start taking the contraceptive pill on the fifth day of your menstrual cycle.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/12/17

More Info

When it comes to missed birth control pills, it's important to understand the implications and the necessary steps to take to minimize the risk of unintended pregnancy. Based on your situation, it seems you missed a pill and then took two pills on the same day to catch up. This is a common concern among those using oral contraceptives, and I will address your questions in detail.

Firstly, if you missed a birth control pill, the general recommendation is to take the missed pill as soon as you remember, and then continue taking the rest of your pills at the usual time. If you realize that you missed a pill within 24 hours, the risk of pregnancy is generally low, especially if you have been taking your pills consistently before that. However, if you missed a pill and had unprotected sex during the time you were not taking the pill, there is a potential risk of pregnancy.

In your case, since you mentioned that you are at the end of your pill pack and you have been taking your pills regularly until the missed one, the risk of pregnancy is likely lower. The effectiveness of birth control pills is highest when taken consistently and correctly. If you missed a pill earlier in the pack, the risk of ovulation increases, but since you are at the end of the pack, your hormone levels are still likely to be sufficient to prevent ovulation.

Regarding your concern about the herbal tea you are consuming, it is generally advisable to be cautious with herbal supplements while on birth control pills. Some herbal ingredients can potentially interact with the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives. For example, St. John's Wort is known to decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills, but the ingredients you listed (such as poria, papaya, jujube, barley, kudzu, and licorice) are not widely recognized to have significant interactions with hormonal contraceptives. However, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider about any herbal supplements you are taking to ensure they do not interfere with your birth control.

As for your menstrual cycle, if you are approaching the expected date of your period and it has not arrived, it could be due to several factors, including stress, hormonal fluctuations, or the missed pill. Birth control pills can sometimes cause changes in your menstrual cycle, including delayed periods, especially if there has been a missed dose. If your period does not arrive within a week of when it is expected, it may be wise to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy.

In summary, if you missed a pill but have been consistent otherwise, and especially since you are at the end of your pack, the risk of pregnancy is likely low. Continue taking your pills as scheduled, and if you have any doubts or if your period does not arrive, consider taking a pregnancy test or consulting with your healthcare provider for further guidance. Always keep in mind that maintaining a consistent schedule with your birth control pills is key to their effectiveness. If you find yourself frequently missing pills, you might want to discuss alternative contraceptive methods with your doctor that may better suit your lifestyle.

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