What Are The Repercussions Of Missing A Birth Control Pill?

Posted on Mon, 27 Mar 2017

Question: Hi there,
My pill fell down the sink a couple days ago and I stupidly just left it thinking that one day skipped wont make a difference.
Now i'm having cramps and feelinf a bit concerned.
I am not certain but i may have had intercourse since.
What should I do?
Can I start my inactive pills early?

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Taking active pills for another week

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear thanks for writing to us with your health concerns
You should buy another pill pack and take active pill and take them for another week and hopefully all will be fine after that.
In case you still get any spotting or bleeding then stop the pills and then you will get proper periods.
As regards fear if pregnancy is concerned in case you have had proper intake if pulls so far then there is no risk of pregnancy
All the best
Regards
Dr Manisha Jain

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Jain (19 minutes later)

Thanks Dr XXXXXXX

So you are saying that if I missed a day of active pills and didn't make it up I can rule out risk of pregnancy because I have been otherwise diligent?

And are you saying to start a new pack entirely or take my inactive pills and get my period of this current pack first?

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes saved from pregnancy

Detailed Answer:
Yes dear missing a pill will not have much effect in case you had other ones properly
Start a new pack and take it for just a week and then take the inactive pills.
This will help you to avoid irregular periods and skip ovulation in upcoming cycle.
Take just 7 pills and then discard the new pill pack
All the best

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Jain (59 minutes later)

Thanks doctor!
Please excuse me from asking over and over. I'm just going to confirm one last time for my own peace of mind!

If I lost one active pill in my pack and didn't make it up so just skipped that day and carried on as usual, i'm safe from pregnany as long as i carry on as normal with the new pack as explained?

Answered by Dr. Manisha Jain (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No chance of pregnancy

Detailed Answer:
Yea my dear, you are surely safe and especially if you take the rest of pills as advised
Don't hesitate at all and you can definitely ask repeat questions and I will be glad to comfort you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad