What Happens If I Miss a Birth Control Pill?

What will happen?

If you started taking birth control pills on March 25 and have been taking them between 10 PM and midnight, missing a dose and taking it at 3 AM the next day is generally considered a minor delay.
Most birth control pills have a grace period of up to 12 hours, so taking it a few hours late should not significantly affect their effectiveness.
However, it's always best to follow the specific instructions provided with your medication.
After taking the missed pill, you should continue taking your pills as scheduled.
Yes, you should start your next pack on the fifth day of your next menstrual cycle, unless advised otherwise by your healthcare provider.
If you have any concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, it's advisable to consult with your healthcare provider.

Jie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/04/05

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dear Jie,
Hello, there won't be a significant impact from taking the medication just a few hours late.
Please rest assured.
After finishing this course, take it again on the fifth day of your next menstrual period.
Wishing you peace and health.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Lu Li-Cheng
Attending Physician, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2010/04/05

More Info

Missing a birth control pill can lead to a variety of outcomes depending on the type of pill you are taking (combination or progestin-only), how long it has been since you last took it, and when you remember to take it. In your case, since you took the pill a few hours late (from your usual time of 10 PM-12 AM to 3 AM), you are likely still protected against pregnancy, especially if you have been taking your pills consistently prior to this incident.

For combination birth control pills, if you miss a pill by less than 24 hours, you should take it as soon as you remember. This means that since you took it at 3 AM, you have done the right thing by taking it as soon as you realized you missed it. You should continue taking the rest of your pills as scheduled. The general rule is that if you miss a pill and take it within 24 hours, you remain protected against pregnancy.

However, if you miss a pill and it has been more than 24 hours, the guidance changes. In such cases, you should take the missed pill as soon as you remember, discard any other missed pills, and continue with your regular schedule. You may need to use backup contraception (like condoms) for the next seven days, especially if you missed pills in the first week of your pack.

Regarding your question about when to start taking your pills again, you should continue taking your birth control pills as directed, which typically means starting a new pack on the same day you would normally start after your period. If you are on a 28-day pill pack, you would start the new pack after the placebo pills (if applicable) or after your period ends. If you are unsure, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

It's also important to note that missing pills can lead to breakthrough bleeding or spotting, which is not uncommon. If you experience any unusual symptoms or have concerns about your birth control method, it’s advisable to reach out to your healthcare provider for further guidance.

In summary, since you took your missed pill within a few hours of your usual time, you should be fine and continue with your regular schedule. Always remember to take your pills at the same time each day to maintain their effectiveness and reduce the risk of missing any in the future. If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider for more tailored advice.

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