hi. i missed one pill on saturday and only realized on Monday but did not take 2 to cover up for that day and continued till now. I did have unprotcted sex on the Monday. what are the risks

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER. We receive many visitors to our site have asked this similar question. I will do my best to explain the risks associated with missing an active birth control pill.

Birth control pills work best if taken according to schedule and at the same time each day. If you miss one or more pills, you increase your chances of releasing an egg (ovulation) that could be fertilized and lead to a pregnancy.

Your chances for getting pregnant depend upon when you missed your pill during your cycle, the number of pills you missed in a row, and if you had unprotected sex around the time of missed your pill(s).

The highest risk of ovulation occurs when the hormone-free interval (the time when inactive pills are taken or there is a break between active pills) is prolonged for than seven days. This can occur by either delaying the start of your birth control pack or by missing active pills during the first or third weeks of birth control pill use.

Anonymous, did you take an active pill on Sunday and Monday? If so, you may be okay and have been protected. Please double check with your gynecologist.

According to Drugs. com,

What to do if you miss a pill from a 21- or 28-day pack of combined hormonal birth control pills

One active pill (more than 24 hours and up to 48 hours late) -Take your missed pill as soon as remembered (which means you may take two pills in one day)
-Continue with the rest of the pack as usual

No need for seven day back up protection.

Emergency contraceptive not usually necessary. But consider if pills missed earlier in the pack, or in the last week of the previous pack. Consider consulting with health care provider for more advice.

Regards,
Maryann