Missed a Dose of Your Birth Control Pill? What to do

Birth control pills contain hormones (usually estrogen and progestin) that stop your ovaries from releasing eggs and make it harder for sperm to reach an egg. If you miss a pill, your hormone levels can drop, and you might ovulate, which means you could get pregnant. The more pills you miss, the higher the risk. That’s why it’s important to take your pill every day and act quickly if you forget one.

How Missing a Pill Affects You Depends on When You Miss It:

• First week: Missing a pill in the first week is the riskiest. Use condoms or another backup method for at least 7 days. The hormones haven’t built up enough yet, so you could ovulate.

• Second week: Missing a pill here is less risky if you’ve taken all your pills correctly the week before. Still, take the missed pill as soon as you remember. If you miss two or more, use backup contraception.

• Third week: Missing pills in the third week can also be risky. You might need to skip your pill-free week and start your next pack right away. Always check your pill’s instructions, as they can be different for each brand.

• If you miss 1 pill (within 12-24 hours): Take it as soon as you remember. Continue with the rest of your pack as usual. You don’t need backup contraception, but make sure to take your next pill at the normal time, even if that means taking two pills in one day.

• If you miss 2 or more pills in a row: Take the most recent missed pill as soon as you remember (throw away any earlier missed pills if it’s been more than 24 hours). Keep taking the rest of your pills as normal. Use a backup method like condoms for the next 7 days, especially if you missed pills in the first or second week.

• If you’re confused or the instructions are unclear, check the leaflet in your pill packet or ask a healthcare provider.

If You Miss Several Pills

Missing several pills in a row can make it much more likely that you’ll ovulate and could get pregnant, especially if you missed pills in the first or second week.

• If you had unprotected sex after missing several pills, you should use emergency contraception (the “morning after pill”). It works best if you take it within 72 hours, but some types can work up to 5 days after. The sooner you take it, the better.

• If you’re worried or not sure what to do, talk to a healthcare provider for advice.

Missing a pill can mess up the hormones that control your period. This might cause:

• Breakthrough bleeding: Light bleeding or spotting between periods. This is common and usually not a big deal, but it means your hormones are off for a bit.

• Changes in your period: Your period might come earlier or later, or be lighter or heavier. If you’re due for your pill-free week, keep going with your cycle unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise.

Tips to Help You Remember Your Pill

• Set an alarm on your phone or use a pill reminder app.

• Take your pill at the same time every day to make it a habit.

• If you keep forgetting, talk to your doctor about other birth control options, like the implant, injection, or IUD, which you don’t have to remember every day.

• If you miss two or more pills in a row, your risk of pregnancy goes up, so talk to a healthcare provider about what to do next.

• If you think you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test. If it’s positive or you’re unsure, see your doctor.

• If you’re worried about unusual bleeding or not sure whether to skip your pill-free week, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Conclusion

Missing a birth control pill sometimes is common, but it’s important to act quickly and follow the right steps to stay protected. If you miss several pills or have questions, talk to a healthcare provider. Setting reminders and making taking your pill a routine can help you remember. If you have trouble remembering, ask about other birth control options that might work better for you. Consistency is key to making sure your birth control works well and keeps you protected.