What to Do If You Miss a Birth Control Pill

The pill comes in two forms: the combination pill and the minipill. Most people take the combination pill, which includes the hormones estrogen and progestin. If you buy your pill over the counter, it's the minipill. It contains only progestin.

Missing a pill can increase your chances of getting pregnant, especially if multiple pills are missed in a row. You'll need to use a backup form of birth control.

You should take the pill as soon as you remember. It's OK to take two pills in one day. If you forgot two or more pills in a row, take two pills on the day you remember. Then you'll take two pills again the next day. After that, take your pills as normal. Use another form of birth control.

If you're late to take a pill or forgot one day's pill, take it as soon as you can. Then take the rest of your pills like normal. You may end up taking two pills in one day, and that's OK. Use another form of birth control for 7 days.

Take the pill you most recently missed right away. You should get rid of the other pills you forgot to take. Then take the rest of the other pills like normal. Again, you may take two pills in one day. Use backup birth control for 7 days.

You might have light bleeding or start your period, which can bring back menstrual cramps. You might feel nauseated as well. If you take the combination pill, you might have headaches or a migraine.

If you often forget to take the pill, ask your doctor about alternative forms of birth control, such as an IUD or implant that you won't have to think about every day.