Incorrect usage of birth control pills is the chief reason for unintended pregnancies. Birth control tablets work best if consumed according to the schedule. If you miss these pills, it increases the chances of ovulation that could be fertilized and this may lead to a pregnancy.

What do I do if I miss one of my birth control pills

Your probabilities for getting pregnant mainly depend upon when you missed your birth control pill during your cycle, and the number of pills that you have missed in a row. The peak risk of ovulation arises when the hormone free interval is extended for more than seven days.

This can mainly occur by either postponing the start of your birth control pill pack or by missing the birth control active pills in the third or first weeks of birth control pill use. 

Helpful Tips

  • If you have missed taking first one or two birth control tablets at the start of the pack then you must take a birth control capsule as soon as you remember and then take the next pill at the regular time. If this occurs, then you will require a seven day backup process of birth control.
  • If you miss one or two birth control pills from the day three through day twenty one of your birth control pack, then you are required to take the pill as you remember and should take the next pill at the regular time. If this occurs, then you do not need a backup birth control method.
  • If you have not taken three or more birth control tablets in the first or second weeks of the pack you have to take a pill as you remember and then you need to take the pill at the usual time. In this situation, it is necessary to have seven day pack method.
  • If you have not taken three or more tablets in the third week of the birth control pack, do not finish the birth control package and throw it away. You have to start a new pack and should use the seven day backup birth control.
  • If you miss your menstruation cycle and have forgotten to consume one or more birth control pills, then get a pregnancy test.

These are some helpful tips that you can follow if you have missed taking birth control pills. If you frequently miss taking your birth control pills then it is better you make use of any other form of birth control. You can discuss with your gynaecologist about alternatives available for birth control options which do not require a daily schedule.