If you miss a birth control pill, the specific steps to take depend on the type of pill you're on and how many pills you have missed. Here are some general guidelines based on the type of pill you're taking:
Combined Pill (Contains Estrogen and Progestin)
- If you have missed 1 pill anywhere in the pack, take the missed pill as soon as you remember, even if it means taking 2 pills in one day. Then continue taking the rest of the pack as normal. No additional contraception is needed.
- If you have missed 2 or more pills, the actions to take depend on where you are in the pack. If you've missed pills in the first week, you may need emergency contraception and should use extra contraception, such as condoms, for the next 7 days.
Progestin-Only Pill (Minipill)
- If you are more than 3 hours late to take a pill or miss any number of pills, you'll need to use a backup form of birth control for 2 days. If you miss one day's pill, take it right away, then take today's pill on schedule. No additional action is needed if you miss hormone-free pills.
It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and the specific instructions may vary based on the brand of pill you are taking. It's recommended to refer to the patient information leaflet that comes with your pill or consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice
. Always remember that the effectiveness of birth control pills can be compromised when doses are missed, and using an additional form of contraception, such as condoms, is advisable to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy when a pill is missed
. If you frequently miss doses of your birth control pills, it may be best to consider switching to a different birth control method that you can consistently and correctly use
