What to Do If You Missed a Birth Control Pill and Can't Remember When?

If you missed a dose of your medication but can't remember which day you missed it, you should take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. If you have any concerns or questions, it's best to consult your

Hello, doctor.
I have been taking the oral contraceptive pill for three months now.
This month, I have taken the pill for three weeks, and today I just realized that I missed one pill, but I forgot which day I missed it.
Should I take two pills to make up for it, or should I just finish the remaining pills as scheduled? Or should I stop taking them? Thank you, doctor.

Amy, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/06/11

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, just finish the medication and monitor your condition.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/06/11

More Info

When you miss a birth control pill and cannot remember when you missed it, it can be concerning, but there are steps you can take to ensure you remain protected against unintended pregnancy. First, it's important to understand the type of birth control pill you are using—combination pills (which contain both estrogen and progestin) and progestin-only pills (also known as the mini-pill) have different guidelines for missed doses.

For combination pills, if you miss one pill, you should take it as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day. After that, continue taking the remaining pills as scheduled. Missing one pill typically does not significantly reduce your protection against pregnancy, especially if you are within the first three weeks of your pill pack. However, if you miss two or more pills, the guidelines change. In this case, you should take the last missed pill as soon as you remember, discard any other missed pills, and continue taking the remaining pills. You should also use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for the next seven days.

For progestin-only pills, the rules are stricter. If you miss a pill by more than three hours, you should take the missed pill as soon as you remember and use backup contraception for the next 48 hours. If you are unsure whether you missed a pill or if it has been more than three hours, using a backup method is advisable.

Since you mentioned that you are unsure which day you missed the pill, it is best to treat it as if you missed one and take the missed pill as soon as you remember. Continue taking the remaining pills as scheduled, and consider using a backup method of contraception for the next week to ensure you are protected.

Additionally, if you find that you are frequently forgetting to take your pills, it might be worth discussing other contraceptive options with your healthcare provider. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as IUDs or implants can provide effective contraception without the need for daily attention.

In summary, if you miss a birth control pill and cannot remember when you missed it, take the missed pill as soon as you remember, continue with your regular schedule, and consider using backup contraception for a week. If you have any further concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

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