Missed Birth Control Pills: What to Do Next?

Contraceptive pill issues?

If you usually take your medication at 11 PM every night but missed doses on the 14th and 15th, and you remembered to take two pills this morning on the 16th, you should still take your regular dose tonight at 11 PM.
It's important to maintain your medication schedule unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.

D, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/07/16

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, you still need to take the medication because you missed two days, which reduces its contraceptive effectiveness.
It is recommended to use an additional method of contraception.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2024/07/16

More Info

When it comes to missed birth control pills, it's important to follow the guidelines specific to the type of pill you are taking. Generally, if you miss one pill, you should take it as soon as you remember, even if that means taking two pills in one day. However, if you miss two consecutive pills, the recommendations can vary slightly depending on whether you are on a combination pill (which contains both estrogen and progestin) or a progestin-only pill (also known as the mini-pill).

In your case, since you missed pills on the 14th and 15th and took two pills on the morning of the 16th, you should continue taking your regular pill at the usual time that evening. This means you will take a total of three pills that day (the two you missed plus your regular evening dose).
For combination pills, if you miss two pills in a row during the first or second week of your pack, you should take the missed pills as soon as you remember and continue taking the rest of the pills in the pack as scheduled. However, you should also use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for the next seven days to ensure you are protected against pregnancy. If you miss two pills in the third week, you should finish the active pills in the pack and skip the placebo pills, starting a new pack immediately.

For progestin-only pills, 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.

It's also crucial to consider that missed pills can increase the risk of unintended pregnancy, especially if you have unprotected intercourse during the time you missed the pills. If you have had unprotected sex during this time, you may want to consider emergency contraception, depending on how long ago the intercourse occurred.

In summary, since you missed two pills but took two on the 16th morning, you should take your regular evening pill that night. Continue taking your pills as scheduled and use backup contraception for the next week to ensure you are protected. If you have any further concerns or if you experience any unusual symptoms, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.

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