Can You Get Pregnant After Missing a Birth Control Pill?

Is pregnancy possible?

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 sexual intercourse.
I would like to know if there is a possibility of becoming pregnant in this situation.
Thank you.

jessica, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/19

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.

Reply Date: 2016/02/19

More Info

Missing a birth control pill can indeed raise concerns about the possibility of becoming pregnant, especially if unprotected intercourse occurs shortly after the missed dose. In your case, since you were on a 21-day birth control pill regimen and forgot to take the last pill, it’s important to understand how this can affect your contraceptive effectiveness.

Birth control pills work primarily by preventing ovulation. When taken consistently and correctly, they are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. However, missing a pill can disrupt this mechanism. If you miss a pill, the general recommendation is to take it as soon as you remember. If you remember the missed pill on the same day, you should take it immediately, which you did. However, if you miss a pill and have unprotected sex, there is a risk of pregnancy, particularly if the missed pill was taken close to the time of ovulation.

In your situation, since you missed the last pill and had unprotected intercourse the same day you took the missed pill, there is a potential risk of pregnancy. The effectiveness of the pill can be compromised when pills are missed, especially if they are missed in the first or last week of the cycle. The last week of the pill pack is particularly critical because it is when your body is preparing for a withdrawal bleed, and missing a pill during this time can lead to ovulation.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, you may want to consider taking a home pregnancy test if your period is late. Additionally, if you are worried about the risk of pregnancy after missing a pill, you might also consider emergency contraception, which can be taken within a certain timeframe after unprotected intercourse to help prevent pregnancy.

It's also important to remember that if you miss a pill, you should follow the instructions provided with your specific birth control pill, as different brands may have slightly different guidelines. If you find that you are frequently forgetting to take your pill, it might be worth discussing alternative contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider. Options such as the birth control patch, intrauterine device (IUD), or implant may provide more consistent protection without the daily commitment.

In summary, while there is a risk of pregnancy after missing a birth control pill and having unprotected sex, the extent of that risk can depend on various factors, including when in your cycle the missed pill occurred. If you have further concerns or questions, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide personalized advice and support.

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