Betty asked
I lost my birth control on Sunday 5/6 and I was just about to start my second week I just got a new pack of them today 5/8 so how do I take those?
Answer
What to do when you accidentally miss doses of birth control pills is a common concern. Fortunately, most birth control pill products give specific guidance for what to do if you miss doses, so it is always a good idea to reference for the patient information insert for your specific product. Recommendations will vary between products and will vary depending on which week you missed doses.
In this example, you missed two doses in a row during your second week of active pills. The most common recommendation is as follows:
- Take two pills on the day you remember.
- Take two pills the next day. This will get you back on your normal schedule.
- Take one pill a day until you finish the pack.
- You could become pregnant if you have sex in the 7 days after you restart your pills.
- Therefore, you must use back-up contraception (e.g. condoms) until you have taken 7 days in a row of active pills.
Source: Yasmin Package Insert
Depending on which birth control product you take, this recommendations can vary slightly so be sure to reference the material for your product.
What doesn't vary is the need to use back-up birth control when two or more doses of birth control missed. Most studies (including one from the World Heath Organization) show that combined hormonal pills (i.e. ones that contain an estrogen and progestin) need to be used for seven consecutive days to prevent ovulation. Thus the recommendation to use back-up contraception for 7 days of active pills in a row after missed doses.
