Missed Birth Control Pills: Key Questions Answered

Missed oral contraceptive pill?

Hello Doctor: I am taking the contraceptive pill Yaz, and this is my first pack.
I usually take the pill between 10 PM and 12 AM.
My last menstrual period started on January 23, and I took the first pink pill on January 26.
On the evening of February 13, around 6 PM, I had unprotected intercourse, but I forgot to take that evening's pill.
By the time I remembered, it was already more than 12 hours late, so I took two pills around 11 PM on February 14.
Due to the missed pill, I only had sexual intercourse again on February 17, using a condom with no ejaculation.
I finished the last pink pill on February 18 around 11 PM.

I have the following questions:
1.
Will the sexual intercourse on February 13 be protected?
2.
Does missing the pill that day mean there is no contraceptive effect?
3.
If I want to change my pill-taking time to 10 AM, how should I adjust the timing?
4.
There are many opinions online about what to do if I miss a pill again (after 12 hours).
Should I take it as soon as I remember, or wait until the next scheduled time to take two pills?
5.
If I miss a Yaz pill in the third week, should I stop taking the pills for 7 days before starting the next pack, or should I use the method of taking a missed pill the next day?
Thank you for your answers.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/19

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, if you miss a dose of the contraceptive pill, you can take it the next day as long as it’s not too far off from the usual time; it should not affect its efficacy.
If you miss a dose in the third week, take the missed dose and do not stop taking the medication.
Wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2023/02/19

More Info

When it comes to missed birth control pills, especially with a combination pill like Yaz (悅姿), there are several important considerations to keep in mind regarding effectiveness, timing, and what to do if a pill is missed. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Effectiveness of the February 13th Intercourse: Since you missed taking your pill on February 13th and had unprotected sex that evening, the effectiveness of your birth control was compromised. Birth control pills are most effective when taken consistently at the same time every day. Missing a pill, especially during the third week of your pack, can increase the risk of pregnancy. Since you did not take the pill on that day, the protection was not in effect for that sexual encounter.

2. Impact of Not Taking the Pill: If you miss a pill and do not take it within 12 hours, the contraceptive effectiveness is reduced. In your case, since you missed the pill on February 13th and did not take it until the following day, you were not protected during that time. Therefore, it is crucial to take the pill as directed to maintain its effectiveness.

3. Changing the Time You Take Your Pills: If you want to change the time you take your birth control pills from the evening to the morning, you can do so, but it’s best to make the transition gradually. For example, if you usually take your pill at 10 PM, you could take it at 9 PM for a few days, then 8 PM, and so on, until you reach your desired time. However, ensure that you do not exceed the 12-hour window for taking a missed pill.

4. What to Do If You Miss a Pill Again: If you miss a pill and it’s been more than 12 hours, you should take the missed pill as soon as you remember and then continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two pills at once unless specifically instructed by your healthcare provider. If you miss a pill in the third week, the recommendation is often to skip the placebo pills and start a new pack immediately to maintain hormone levels and prevent ovulation.

5. Handling Missed Pills in the Third Week: If you miss a pill during the third week, you should take the missed pill as soon as you remember. If you miss more than one pill, it’s generally advised to skip the placebo pills and start a new pack right away. This helps to maintain contraceptive protection and reduces the risk of breakthrough bleeding.

In summary, consistency is key when taking birth control pills. If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember, but if it’s been over 12 hours, you should follow the guidelines for missed pills. If you have further concerns about missed pills or changes in your birth control routine, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can provide guidance based on your specific health needs and circumstances.

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