Birth control pills are oral contraceptives that prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg, which can reduce the chance of pregnancy. They also change the cervical mucus and uterine lining, making it more difficult for sperm to join with an egg. If you miss a pill, you might want some advice on how to handle the situation. Here's what to know about the pill and what to do if you ever forget to take one. 

Types of Pills

Knowing which type of pill you take can help you decide the best course of action if you ever miss one. The combination pill contains both progestin and estrogen. Each pack includes 21 to 24 consecutive days of hormone pills and about a week of placebo pills. Taking one per day, around the same time each day, can prevent pregnancy. 

The progestin-only pill, also known as the mini-pill, contains the hormone progestin. To reduce the chances of conception, you must take it at the exact same time every day, since the hormone wears off more rapidly.

What to Do

If you miss a combination pill, take it as soon as you remember, and take the rest of the pills as normal. For instance, if you missed Tuesday's pill, and it's now Wednesday, take Tuesday's pill immediately, and wait to take Wednesday's pill at the usual time.  

If you miss more than two consecutive combination pills, use back up birth control or avoid sexual intercourse, as reduced hormone levels in the body make ovulation and conception more likely to occur. Continue abstaining from sex or using backup methods until you've taken another seven days of pills in a row.

If you miss a progestin-only pill, take it as soon as you remember. If it has been more than three hours since your missed pill, use backup contraception or avoid sexual activity until you have taken your next two doses on time.

Impact of Missed Pills

With the combination pill, missing a dose during the first week increases the chance of getting pregnant more so than missing a pill during any other week. Hormone levels in the body are lower during the first week as a result of the previous week's placebo pills, which means missing a dose can further decrease levels and make conception more likely. With the progestin-only pill, missing a dose anywhere in your cycle may increase the risk of pregnancy, since the hormone in these birth control pills wears off much more quickly.

Side effects of missed pills include breakthrough bleeding, or spotting, which happens as a result of rapid decreases in hormone levels. If you missed more than one dose and had to take two pills in one day, the sudden surge of hormones might make you feel nauseated. 

Remember to take your pill by setting a daily reminder on your phone or getting into the habit of taking it during a daily activity such as eating breakfast or brushing your teeth. If you struggle to remember, ask your women's health practitioner about switching to an IUD, ring, patch, or shot.

If you want to get on birth control, contact Paula Korn A.N.P. This Advanced Nurse Practitioner provides women's health services to patients throughout Anchorage, AK. Call (907) 277-2597 to book an appointment with this women's health clinic, and visit the website to learn more about how they can help you find the right contraception.