What to Do If You Miss Taking Your Birth Control Pill on Time

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It’s not uncommon to forget to take your birth control pill. While you may strive to maintain a consistent routine, life can sometimes throw unexpected curveballs. If you find yourself in a situation where you’ve missed taking one of your pills on time, don’t panic. Instead, take a deep breath and follow these steps to minimize potential risks. 

Double Check the Instructions

The first thing you should do is read the information provided with your birth control pill. Different pills have varying instructions for what to do in case of a missed dose. Pay close attention to the guidance from the manufacturer or your health care provider. 

Take the Missed Pill ASAP

If you realize you’ve missed a pill, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, take the missed pill and the scheduled pill together.

While it’s unlikely, keep in mind that you may experience spotting or nausea due to the increased hormones. Continue taking the rest of your pack as normal. For all pill types, if you’ve skipped two or more pills, only take the pill you most recently missed and dispose of the others. 

Use Backup Contraception 

If you’re sexually active, consider using a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for the next seven days after the missed pill. This precaution is especially crucial if the missed pill occurs in the first week of your pill pack.

Follow the Specific Instructions for Your Pill Type

Different types of birth control pills have distinct instructions for managing missed doses. For combination pills — those containing both estrogen and progestin — the protocol may differ from progestin-only pills. Typically, for combination pills, take the missed pill as soon as possible. Then, continue taking the remaining pills at your usual time, even if it means taking two pills on the same day. 

For progestin-only pills, take the missed pill as soon as possible, then continue taking the pills as scheduled — one a day. For progestin-only pills, it’s essential to use backup protection for the next two days or abstain from risky behavior. Follow the specific guidelines for your pill type to ensure the most effective contraception. 

Contact Your Health Care Provider

If you have any doubts or concerns about the next step, reach out to your healthcare provider. They can offer personalized advice based on your specific situation and medical history. They may also be able to suggest alternative contraception methods or adjust your current regimen. 

Consider Emergency Contraception

In cases where you’ve had unprotected intercourse around the time of the missed pill, you might want to consider emergency contraception. Over-the-counter options, such as the morning-after pill, can help prevent pregnancy if taken within a certain time frame. You might not need a prescription for some emergency contraceptives. 

What If You Missed a Placebo Pill?

If you’ve missed taking a placebo in your birth control pack there’s generally no cause for concern. Placebo pills, also known as sugar pills or inactive pills, don’t contain any hormones and are there to help you maintain the habit of taking a pill daily. 

Unlike active birth control pills, missing a placebo pill doesn’t impact your contraception efficacy. Simply skip the missed placebo pill and continue with the next one in your pack. 

Prevent Missing a Pill in the Future

It’s normal for it to take some time to establish a new habit. In fact, it takes roughly two months to build a new habit, so be patient and persistent. However, give these tips a try to avoid any mishaps:

• Set a daily alarm: Use your phone to set a daily alarm at a convenient time, reminding you to take your pill. This alarm should go off at the same time every day.
• Use a pill organizer: Consider using a pill organizer with compartments for each day of the week. 
• Keep pills visible: Store them in a location you can easily see, making it much harder to forget. For example, place them next to your toothbrush or on the kitchen counter.
• Associate pill-taking with a routine: Linking your pill-taking to an existing habit, such as brushing your teeth or making dinner, can help create a consistent routine — this is known as habit stacking. 

Don’t Panic

Missing a birth control pill can be a stressful situation, but it’s essential to stay calm and take the appropriate steps to manage the situation. By following the guidelines and taking the necessary preventative measures, you can navigate this hiccup and maintain effective birth control.