Forgot Birth Control Pill: Risk of Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex?

Taking emergency contraception after unprotected intercourse?

If you have been taking the oral contraceptive pill for three months and you missed a dose during the first week of your cycle, taking two pills the following night can help maintain contraceptive effectiveness.
However, since you had unprotected intercourse after missing a dose, there is still a risk of pregnancy.
It is advisable to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for at least the next seven days.
If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, consider taking a pregnancy test if your period is late or consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance.

Jing, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/09/30

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the effectiveness of taking oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) can be as high as 99%.
However, missing a dose is one of the common reasons for failure with this method of contraception, so knowing how to correctly make up for a missed dose is very important.
Each type of combination oral contraceptive comes in different formulations, so it is essential to follow the specific instructions for the pill you are using.

If you forget to take a pill, you should take it as soon as you remember, and continue taking the next pill at the usual time.
If you miss a dose of an effective pill for more than 12 hours, in addition to taking the missed pill, it is advisable to use an additional barrier method of contraception for the next seven days.
If you miss a dose for more than 24 hours, you should stop taking the current pack of pills and refrain from taking them for seven days (including the days you missed), then continue with the next cycle.
If you miss a pill and do not experience the expected withdrawal bleeding during the placebo week, you should suspect the possibility of pregnancy.
Based on your description, there is still a possibility of pregnancy.
If the missed dose was between 12 to 24 hours, it is recommended to use emergency contraception.
If the missed dose was more than 24 hours, please follow the aforementioned guidelines.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2015/09/30

More Info

When it comes to the risk of pregnancy after forgetting to take a birth control pill, it's important to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and the implications of missing a dose. Birth control pills are designed to prevent ovulation, and they do this by maintaining a consistent level of hormones in the body. When you miss a pill, especially during the first week of your cycle, the risk of ovulation increases, which can lead to a higher chance of pregnancy if unprotected sex occurs.

In your case, since you mentioned that you forgot to take your birth control pill during the first week and then took two pills the following night, it’s crucial to consider a few factors:
1. Timing of the Missed Pill: If you missed a pill during the first week of your cycle and had unprotected sex, there is a risk of pregnancy. The first week is particularly critical because it is when your body is most likely to ovulate if the hormone levels drop due to the missed pill.

2. Taking Two Pills: Taking two pills the next day can help to some extent, as it may restore hormone levels, but it does not guarantee that ovulation has been prevented. The effectiveness of this approach can vary depending on how long it has been since you missed the pill and your individual hormonal response.

3. Emergency Contraception: If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, you may want to consider using emergency contraception (EC). EC is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but some forms can be effective up to 5 days after. It works primarily by delaying ovulation.

4. Consulting a Healthcare Provider: It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can provide guidance based on your specific situation, including whether you should take emergency contraception and how to manage your birth control moving forward.

5. Future Prevention: To minimize the risk of missing pills in the future, consider setting reminders on your phone or using a pill organizer. Some individuals find it helpful to take their pill at the same time as another daily routine, such as brushing their teeth.

In summary, forgetting a birth control pill, especially in the first week, can increase the risk of pregnancy if unprotected sex occurs. Taking two pills the next day may help, but it does not eliminate the risk entirely. If you have concerns about potential pregnancy, consider emergency contraception and consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance. It’s essential to stay informed and proactive about your reproductive health to make the best choices for your situation.

Similar Q&A

Missed Last Birth Control Pill: Risk of Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex?

If a patient misses the last pill of their oral contraceptive and has unprotected intercourse the following day without taking a missed dose, what is the likelihood of pregnancy? Thank you.

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Is there a high possibility of pregnancy if the last pill of the emergency contraceptive was missed and unprotected intercourse occurred the next day without taking additional medication? Answer: The possibility of pregnancy is low.

Missed Birth Control Pills: Risk of Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex?

I have been taking the contraceptive pill for almost two to three years. I finished my period on Thursday and was supposed to start a new pack, but I only remembered to take it on Saturday morning. I took two pills on Saturday morning (for Thursday and Friday), and then I took th...

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. For pregnancy concerns, please take a home pregnancy test or consult a gynecologist for evaluation four weeks after sexual intercourse. 2. The calendar method of contraception can still be used, but the failure rate is inherently higher compared to methods such as medication o...

Missed Birth Control Pill: Risk of Pregnancy After Unprotected Sex

Hello doctor, I have been taking birth control pills for three months, specifically the Chinese brand Yasmine. During my ovulation period, I forgot to take a pill one day and it was more than 12 hours late. I had unprotected intercourse and ejaculation occurred before I took the ...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, generally it does not have an impact. Wishing you good health.

Can You Get Pregnant After Missing a Birth Control Pill?

Hello, I would like to ask about my situation. I have been taking a 21-day oral contraceptive pill, and on the last day when I had only one pill left, I forgot to take it. The next day, since there was only one pill left, I took that one pill, and that evening I had unprotected s...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances are low. If your period does not arrive after waiting another week, it is recommended to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.