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is there a chance that i can get pregnant if i miss 2 pills for monday and tuesday and took 2 pills on wednesday then had sex that same day and did not continue taking the rest of the pills..im on a sunday starter and on my third week of the pack..

By August 30, 2009 - 12:15pm
 
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is there a chance that i can get pregnant if i miss 2 pills for monday and tuesday and took 2 pills on wednesday then had sex that same day and did not continue taking the rest of the pills..im on a sunday starter and on my third week of the pack..

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Hyori,
Yes, there is a chance of pregnancy anytime you miss pills (especially 2 or more pills in-a-row), plus you did not follow the instructions per your prescription on how to properly double-up or use back-up protection, which does increase your chances for pregnancy. I do not understand why you stopped taking the pills after you had sex, as semen can be "waiting" in your body for 3-5 days after sex to fertilize an egg, and the more hormones you have consistently in your body, the better your chances of preventing a pregnancy are.

Perfect use of hormonal contraception (taking one pill the about the same time each day) has a 99% effectiveness rate for pregnancy prevention, and anytime you miss pills, this rate decreases. According to Planned Parenthood, "about 8 out of 100 women will get pregnant each year if they don’t always take the pill each day as directed." So, you can see that your effectiveness rate may still be relatively moderate (in the 80-90% range), and you may have a slight risk of pregnancy...but there is still a risk.

Can I offer some information about how to double-up? Since you missed Monday & Tuesday's pills, here is what you would do next time:
Wednesday: take Wednesday's pill plus Monday's missed pill
Thursday: take Thursday's pill plus Tuesday's missed pill
Friday: take Friday's pill as usual

Then, you would be back on track and not have to discontinue the remainder of the pack (even if it is the 3rd week).

A few notes: when "doubling up" on pills, it is best not to take them together, but take them in the same day. Taking two pills at once can cause stomach irritation or nausea. Always take that day's pill as directed, and "double-up" with the first missed pill. This works when you miss 1 or 2 pills. If you miss 3 or more pills, you will need to read the instructions carefully, as most prescriptions say to throw away the pack and start a new pack on the following Sunday or Monday (whatever day you start), while using back up protection for the next 7 (or more) days. Very important!! Your period may be delayed, and you may experience spotting.

I hope this information helps; please let us know if you have any other questions.

Most importantly: anytime you miss pills, please read the instructions carefully and adhere to the recommendations when it says, "You MUST use a backup method of birth control (condom) for the next 7 days." This is because you may no longer be protected from pregnancy when missing pills, and we want you to be safe!

August 30, 2009 - 12:26pm
(reply to Alison Beaver)

just have my menstrual period started today..so i was wondering if it is possible i can get pregnant..

August 30, 2009 - 10:46pm
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