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First time ever I missed a pill, and had sex without knowing I had missed a pill, am I pregnant?

By Anonymous October 13, 2011 - 4:49pm
 
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So at the beginning of my pack, three days in I had unprotected sex. So could I probably already be pregnant??

But anyways, I had missed a pill for the first time ever on the 3rd week. I've been on birth control for 4 months. I only had 3 pills left. So I missed the Thursday one. The next day I woke up late and took both of the Thursday and Friday pills at the same time, around 2-3 hours later than I should have taken them from the original time I take my pills. I took plan B as well on Friday just in case. It is now the 4th week and I'm on my placebo pills. It's Thursday and I generally get my period on Thursday. There's still about 7-8 hours left in the day but I still haven't gotten my period and I'm starting to really get worried. I have been under so much stress lately with school and with family issues but I'm not sure how much stress affects my period and would cause it to be late. I also read somewhere that missing pills on the third week could cause a missed period, but I'm not so sure about that and if it really happens? If Friday comes around and I still haven't gotten my period, I'll definitely be making an appointment with my doctor.

I also have been breaking out and having cramps for the past week. I'm not sure if these are pregnancy symptoms or premenstrual symptoms?!

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Guide

I think I understand what you are asking. Taking oral contraceptives for 3 days does not "build up" a level of protection against pregnancy. For optimum effectiveness against an unwanted pregnancy, you need to take the pills each day and at the same time each day. If you forget to take some of the pills, you will have menstrual bleeding at irregular times, and the likelihood of pregnancy increases. When you forget to take a pill, take it as soon as you can. Take your next pill at the usual time. If you forget to take two or more pills in a row, you should refrain from sexual intercourse or use a back up method of contraception. You also should contact your health care professional on what to do next.
I hope that I answered your question adequately.
Maryann

October 14, 2011 - 4:48pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

I'm sorry for the confusion, I didn't miss a pill in the first week of the pack. I only had unprotected sex, so I was just curious as to if three days is long enough to be protected. But correct on the third week when I missed a pill.

October 13, 2011 - 5:58pm
Guide

If I understand you, you actually missed 2 doses. First you say that you missed a pill at the beginning of the pack. Then you say that you missed a pill for the first time ever on the 3rd week. If you missed an active pill and took the missed pill as soon as you remembered, then you are okay. You should take the missed pill as soon as you remember and the next pill at the regular time. At this point, you may need to be evaluated by your gynecologist.

October 13, 2011 - 5:49pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

Thank you! That relieves some stress. What about the intercourse I had on the first week of my pills? Is being on birth control for a few months plus 3 days into the pack enough to prevent pregnancy?

October 13, 2011 - 5:29pm
Guide

Hi,
Plan B, when taken within 72 hours following unprotected sex or contraception failure, is effective in preventing pregnancy. You took it properly so that rules out being pregnant. Plan B will cause menstrual irregularities, so that may explain a late period. Stress can cause a delay in the start of a period. Acne outbreak and cramping are probably just premenstrual symptoms. It is a good idea to have a check up with your gynecologist.
Maryann

October 13, 2011 - 5:12pm
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