Forgetting to take your birth control pills can leave you feeling stressed, but it’s a common experience, and there can be simple steps you can take to get back on track.
As experts in birth control, we at Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties (PPOSBC) have put together this comprehensive guide on what to do if you miss a couple of days of your birth control pills.
Step 1: Assess How Many Pills You’ve Missed
The first thing you need to do is figure out how many pills you’ve missed and what type of birth control pills you are using. There are two kinds of birth control: combination pills, which have both estrogen and progestin, and progestin-only pills. If you’re not sure which kind of birth control pills you use, you can usually find this information on the packaging.
Step 2: Follow the Guidelines for Your Specific Pill Type
Combination Pills (Contain Both Estrogen and Progestin):
- If you missed 1 hormonal pill (by 24–48 hours) or if you are simply late taking 1 pill (for less than 24 hours), you should:
- Take the late or missed pill as soon as possible.
- Continue taking the remaining pills at the usual time (even if it means taking two pills on the same day).
- You are still protected from pregnancy, and no additional contraception is needed, but using alternative forms of contraception like condoms may give you peace of mind.
- If you missed 2 or more consecutive hormonal pills (more than 48 hours have passed since you took a pill), you should:
- Take the most recent missed pill as soon as possible (discarding any other missed pills).
- Continue taking your pills on schedule (even if it means taking a second pill on the day you remembered to get back on track).
- Use back-up contraception like condoms, or avoid sex until you have taken the hormonal pills for 7 days in a row.
- If the pills you missed were in the last week of hormonal pills (days 15–21 for 28-day pill packs):
- Finish the hormone pills in the current pack, and skip the hormone-free pills (also known as placebo pills). Then start a new pack the next day.
- If you are unable to start a new pack immediately, use back-up contraception like condoms or avoid sex until hormonal pills from a new pack have been taken for 7 days in a row.
- You should consider emergency contraception if you missed hormonal pills during the first week of your pill pack and had unprotected sex in the past 5 days.
Progestin-Only Pills:
- If you missed 1 pill (more than 3 hours late):
- Take the missed pill as soon as you remember.
- Take the next pill at the regular time.
- Use backup contraception like condoms for the next 48 hours.
While these steps can help you get back on track, if you have unprotected sex on the days you missed your birth control pills or within 5 days of missing multiple pills, emergency contraception, like the morning-after pill, should also be considered.
Planned Parenthood Has You Covered
If you're unsure about what to do or frequently miss multiple pills, it's important to speak with your health care provider promptly. Your local Planned Parenthood offers same-day and walk-in appointments for assistance.
If you often forget to take your pill, you're not alone. Many people find setting a daily reminder on their phone helpful. If you continue to miss pills, consider alternative birth control methods such as the patch, shot, implant, or IUD. Learn more about these options here.
Choosing the best birth control method for your lifestyle can feel overwhelming, but our Planned Parenthood providers are here to help you make informed decisions.
While missing a couple of birth control pills can be concerning, following these steps can help you manage the situation effectively. Remember to act quickly, use backup contraception when needed, and consult your health care provider for any concerns or questions. Staying informed and proactive is crucial for maintaining your reproductive health and peace of mind.
To schedule an appointment at your local Planned Parenthood health center, call 714-922-4100.
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