your health
ONE STEP AT A TIME
Forget to Take Your Birth Control Pill?
It happens, so don’t panic. But do have a plan to
get back on track and prevent pregnancy.
By Lori Goetzinger
The pill is an eff ective method of birth control when you take it correctly. This means taking it at the same time every day. But if you miss a dose, you increase your risk of getting pregnant. The good news is that you can take steps to prevent pregnancy and get back on schedule with your pill.
Follow these guidelines from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG):
If you forget just one time— Take it as soon as you remember.
• If it’s the same day (or if you remember later that day), it won’t hurt to take the pill a few hours later.
• If it’s the next day, take your missed pill at the same time you take your pill for that day. This means you’ll be taking two pills at once. You may feel a little queasy, but taking the pills with food might help.
To prevent pregnancy, use a backup form of birth control, such as a condom, or don’t have sex until your next period begins.
If you forget more than one day—Call your doctor.
• If you miss more than one pill, call you doctor to fi nd out what you need to do.
To prevent pregnancy, use a backup form of birth control, such as a condom, or don’t have sex until your next period begins.
If you regularly forget— Reconsider your options.
• Talk to your doctor about other birth control methods. Options like a vaginal ring, skin patch, shot or implant may better fi t your needs and lifestyle.
If you miss your pill several times a month, always use another form of birth control to prevent pregnancy.
If you didn’t forget, but…
• You vomit within 3-4 hours of
taking your pill, your body may not have had a chance to absorb it. If this happens, take the pill again later that day. If you vomit again after taking the second pill, call your doctor. To prevent pregnancy, use a backup form of birth control, such as a condom, or don’t have sex until your next period begins.
• You’re taking any medicines,
make sure your doctor knows about them. Some antibiotics and medicines for seizures can interfere with the pill and make it less eff ective.
*
Written in collaboration with Cindy Dellinger, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.
SUMMER 2010 | HEALTHY ADVICE 31
If you miss your pill for even a day, you might have light bleeding or spotting. This is normal, and it should go away once you get back on the pill.
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