If you only realize you missed a dose at your regular time, take both pills together at once.
Missing one pill slightly increases yourchance of pregnancy.
While low, this is still three times greater than if you miss no doses.
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You do not need an emergency contraceptive (a.k.a.
the “morning after pill”) if you had unprotected sex the night before.
Due to the higher dose of hormones, you may experiencespottingand possibly nausea.
Use emergency contraception if you have had unprotected intercourse.
Can I Take Three Birth Control Pills If I Missed Three Days?
If you miss birth control pills during the placebo week, you are not at risk of becoming pregnant.
Placebo pills are simply meant to keep you on schedule for taking pills.
Mini-Pills
Theprogestin-only pill, or “mini-pill,” does not contain any estrogen.
A backup method of birth control is not required.
Return to your regular schedule the following day.
Use a backup birth control method for the next two days.
Take your next pill at your scheduled time.
However, if only three consecutive doses are missed, your risk of pregnancy increases by nearly 14-fold.
If in doubt, speak with your healthcare provider or a community-based sexual health organization like Planned Parenthood.
Symptoms may include:
Hormones can be unpredictable.
One person may have problems after a missed pill while another won’t.
If you miss your pill and are concerned about the return of heavy bleeding, contact a healthcare provider.
They may be able to help you avoid symptoms and get your cycle back on track.
Summary
It’s important to take your birth control pill to avoid an unintended pregnancy.
What should I do?
Mount Sinai.Birth control pill overdose.
2021 Jun;222:107789. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107789
Planned Parenthood.12 types of birth control.
Planned Parenthood.Will missing my birth control mess up my period?
2016;33(2):168172. doi:10.1080/09513590.2016.1240776
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Progestin-only pills - reproductive health.
