Birth Control Pills: What Happens When You Miss a Dose or Stop Taking Them?
Missing a Pill: It’s More Common Than You Think
If you’re one of the millions of women taking birth control pills, chances are you’ve missed a dose or two at some point. Maybe you forgot to take it in the morning rush, or maybe you didn’t refill your prescription before a trip. Whatever the reason, missing a pill can be unsettling, especially if you’ve been faithfully taking it for years.
What to Do If You Miss a Pill
Don’t panic! According to Dr. Sherry Ross, an OB-GYN at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California, missing one pill is unlikely to lead to pregnancy if you get back on track quickly. Take the missed pill as soon as you remember or take two pills the next day at the same time.
What If You Miss Two Pills?
If you’ve missed two pills, double up on pills the next day and the day after that. While the chance of pregnancy is still small, you may experience nausea or breakthrough bleeding, says Dr. Alyssa Dweck, a gynecologist in NYC.
The Risks of Missing Three or More Pills
Missing three or more pills is a different story. At this point, your hormone levels are disrupted, and the pill’s effectiveness is lowered. If you had sex on any of the days you missed pills, consider taking emergency contraception. Then, throw out your old pack of pills and start a new one. Don’t forget to use a backup form of contraception, such as condoms, for one week.
Stopping Birth Control Pills: What to Expect
If you decide to stop taking birth control pills, your body will quickly return to its natural state. You can get pregnant right away, so use a backup form of contraception if you’re not ready to conceive. Stopping the pill may also lead to the return of symptoms you experienced before taking it, such as period cramps, acne, or PMS problems.
Why Women Choose to Stop Taking the Pill
Some women stop taking the pill to get pregnant, while others may experience unwanted side effects or worry about risks. However, quitting the pill means you may miss out on health benefits, including a decreased risk of certain cancers and blood clots.
How Birth Control Pills Work
Birth control pills work by preventing ovulation, says Dr. Dweck. They contain synthetic forms of estrogen and progestin, which stabilize your natural hormones and prevent the peak of estrogen that would otherwise signal your body to ovulate.
Talking to Your Doctor
If you’re considering stopping the pill or switching to an alternative method of birth control, talk to your doctor about the best option for you. Remember, missing pills is common, but it’s essential to know what to do to avoid pregnancy.
Leave a Reply