Forgot to take birth control on time? Forgetting to take your birth control pill is not the end of the world, but it can increase the chance of getting pregnant. Depending on when and how many birth control pills you’ve missed, these odds vary. Here are some steps that can help you in the event that you’ve missed one, two, or several days on your birth control pill.
The Pill 101 – How it works
Birth control pills are designed to prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation, the release of an egg from an ovary. Sometimes referred to as “the pill” or oral contraceptives, birth control pills are one of the most popular forms of birth control. Birth control pills are effective at preventing pregnancy when taken as directed. If you happen to forget, here are some tips on what to do to continue preventing pregnancy.
What to Do If Forgot to Take Birth Control On Time
Taking your pill every day at roughly the same time is important because it helps maintain a steady hormone level that prevents pregnancy. However, it’s not uncommon to miss a pill from time to time, which is why we’ve put together a simple list of what to do if you forgot to take your birth control last night, or several nights.
Late Birth Control Pill on the Same Day– If you forgot to take birth control on time, take the late pill as soon as you remember. Then go back to taking your pills when you normally would.
1 Missed Birth Control Pill – If you forgot to take yesterday’s birth control pill, take the late pill as soon as you remember. Then resume your usual routine – including taking the birth control pill scheduled for that day. This means you take 2 pills in 1 day.
2 Missed Birth Control Pills – If you realized you forgot to take your birth control pill yesterday (and the day before that), you can still get back on track. Take two pills the day you remember and two pills the next day.
More than 2 Missed Birth Control Pills – If you’ve missed more than two pills, call your Ob/Gyn or nurse practitioner. He or she can guide you on how to get back on track, as the recommended course of action may differ depending on how many pills you’ve missed.
When in Doubt, Consult a Viva Eve Expert
Viva Eve provides a range of services to help you stay healthy and plan for a healthy future, including contraceptive care and birth control planning. Get advice, prescriptions, and learn about your birth control options from our expert physicians. Whether your forgot to take birth control on time or forgot to take birth control last night, we’ll be here for you.
