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Is Missing Two Birth Control Pills Decrease The Efficacy Of Its Effectiveness?

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Posted on Mon, 15 Jun 2015
Question: Hi,

I have a question regarding contraceptives.

My last period started on April 22 (the one before this started on 23 on March).

I have been taking pills from April 29 until May 17. Due to some reasons I forgot a pill on 18th and 19th. Then on 20th morning I took two pills and I am still taking pills up till now, i.e. 24th, since I wanted to postpone my period.

I had no sex during April and during the two days I missed pills. I just recently had sex on 22nd and 23rd.

Therefore, I wonder if is there is a chance of pregnancy? Should I take an emergency contraveptive now (e.g. Escapelle that is valid 3 days after unprotected sex)? Or was it enough that I continued to take pills even if I missed two of them?

I'd be happy for your answer and suggestions.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Pregnancy not likely.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting us with your health concern.
Missing two pills simultaneously decreases the efficacy of the contraceptive pills but since you are taking the pills regularly after that and it was not the fertile period of your cycle, the chances of conception are less than 1%.
Taking an emergency contraceptive now is not needed. You will get your periods after you stop taking the pills.
Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal

OBGYN

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 14043 Questions

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Is Missing Two Birth Control Pills Decrease The Efficacy Of Its Effectiveness?

Brief Answer: Pregnancy not likely. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for trusting us with your health concern. Missing two pills simultaneously decreases the efficacy of the contraceptive pills but since you are taking the pills regularly after that and it was not the fertile period of your cycle, the chances of conception are less than 1%. Taking an emergency contraceptive now is not needed. You will get your periods after you stop taking the pills. Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Rakhi Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal