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Q: 

Missing Two Birth Control Pills

By Anonymous September 26, 2016 - 9:05am
 
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Hi,
I am not normally this careless, so haven't really ever looked into this information. I did as much research as I could before asking, but I am getting seriously conflicting information and not really specific to my situation. My question is regarding the effectiveness of birth control. I am sure I am not the only one who has these questions, so for the sake of transparency, and more information out there for women, I am asking. I should note that I have been on birth control for over a year after taking a brief break, and three years before that (not sure if that is relevant). I started my 28 day YAZ pill pack a day late, due to a prescription issue. The pack was started on Wednesday, instead of Tuesday. I took the pill right away and then the Wednesday pill at my normal time. Early Friday morning, I engaged in unprotected sex (while I was a consenting participate, I can't say I used my best judgment given the information I knew.) I have read that in a 28 Day cycle ovulation doesn't begin until 7 days from the first day of your period. In this case, I technically would start on the 25th, however, if on birth control you don't ovulate, right? I was concerned with the lack of protection so Friday night, I got Plan B. This was taken within the 24-hour window, in addition to taking my birth control at the normal time. Given my pregnancy concerns, I was diligent in taking my pill through Saturday. Last night, however, I had a slip. I forgot to take Sunday night's pill. I took it as soon as I woke up this morning and will be taking my Monday pill at my normal time. I know all this craziness will decrease the effective rate and that sperm has the potential to stay within your body for up to 5 days. Should I take Plan B again? Also, going forward, if I were to have sex again this week, how should I even consider it? I assume using a condom would be ideal, but I want to know if there is anything else I should know. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question.

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Guide

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER. I will do my best to address and answer your questions. Consider reaching out to your gynecologist as well. My concern is a potential hormonal upset caused by taking Plan B.

If you took a daily pill starting with making up for Tuesday's dose each day, then you were protected during intercourse on Friday morning.

Birth control pills prevent pregnancy by preventing ovulation. The daily active pill keeps hormone levels constant to achieve this.

Plan B plus a daily Yaz pill gave your body a progestin blast. Yaz is a combination hormonal pill while Plan B contains a high dose of levonorgestrel, which is a progestin.

Do not take another dose of Plan B. Continue to take a daily Yaz dose. Speak with your gynecologist.

Regards,
Maryann

September 26, 2016 - 9:27am
(reply to Maryann Gromisch RN)

Thank you for the fast response. I have scheduled an appointment with my Gynecologist for tomorrow, I am rather concerned now with the hormonal upset, because I took the Plan B. Was that wrong to do and as far as a hormonal upset, does it negatively effect me as far as pregnancy? I am obviously going to speak with my gynocologist, but would love a little more clarity.

September 26, 2016 - 9:33am
Guide (reply to Inthepink224)

Hello Inthepink224,

I am glad to hear that you will see your gynecologist. As far as causing a hormonal upset, by taking Plan B, you gave your body a high dose of a synthetic progestin hormone.

The menstrual cycle is regulated by a precise balance of hormones. This article from Merck Manual explains it well.
http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/biology-of-the-female-reproductive-system/menstrual-cycle

I think it would have been better not to have taken Plan B.

Regards,
Maryann

September 26, 2016 - 10:05am
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