[snowflakes]

So, I'm freaking out a bit, I'm on a combination birth control pill and was late with a couple of doses and I am worried because I had unprotected sex and wondering if I should be considering emergency contraception. Even though i know that I am probably freaking out a little bit. I started my pill back last Sunday Oct 26 and then was late a couple of hours on Monday to take my pill. Then was good until friday 30th when I was 3 hours late in taking my pill. Then was good again and on time. Then had un protected sex today nov 2nd. I'm wondering does 3 hours late mean missed pill? And should I be worried, Or am I just over reacting? I do have my alarm set on my phone to take it at the same time, but sometimes I have my phone off and I just forget. Never more then 3 hours, but still sucks.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Mes T]

I mean that's not a great situation, but I think you should be fine. When I was on the pill, I missed some by a few hours as well and it never even crossed my mind to worry about it.

Have you considered birth control methods other than the pill?

[mom30]

I believe on COCPs there is a 12-hour window there to take the pill. You must be much more strict with time when taking the mini-pill, I believe those only have a 3-hour window before their effectiveness is reduced. Check out Wikipedia for mini pill efficacy.


For example, if you take your COCP at 5pm everyday, you're safe if you don't take it until 12 hours later. However, if you're on a mini-pill that you take everyday at 5pm, if you haven't taken it by 8pm, you are quite possibly in trouble.

With either pill though, it's best to take at the same time everyday.