I have been on the pill for 2 months and have been using it perfectly (everyday same time on the dot). But last Saturday I took it about 2 hours later than I usually would, and same with Sunday. Does this count as missing a pill??? Also, I had unprotected sex thursday night, but have been taking the pill perfectly since Sunday. Do I need to be worried? (I called planned parenthood and told them the situation and they said I'm fine, but any other advice?)
Posts: 29 | Location: Seattle, WA, USA | Registered: 05-31-03
If it's pregnancy you are worried about, I would't. You didn't 'miss' a pill, you just took it late.
I WOULD worry about STD's though, if you had unprotected sex and you are not in a monogmous relationship. The pill will not provide you with that type of protection, as you know. Condoms will help, but nothing is fool proof.
Please be careful and if you are worried about becoming pregnant, you should use back up protection, like a condom, as well as the pill. It will give you better odds against pregnancy and against STD's as well.
Posts: 9085 | Location: The land of OZZZZZZZ | Registered: 06-04-02
Like puppy said, if you've been taking it on time everyday for 2 months, taking it just 2 hours late just twice, especially several days before you had sex, shouldn't cause any problem.
However, if you're worried about it (you shouldn't be), home pregnancy tests are cheap.
As you are already doing, taking the "Pill" at the same time of the day is optimal, but if you are late or early by a few hours it isn't that critical.
If you accidently miss a day, take both pills the next day (the missed one and the due one) and be careful for the next month.
Posts: 9141 | Location: PA, USA | Registered: 06-05-02
If you realize that you forgot to take a pill then take it as soon as you remember. You will be fine. If you completely forget the pill and remember the next day, then take two pills that day. (one the minute you remember and the other at normal time) Make sure you use protection for the rest of the week. If you forget to take the pills 3 days in a row you will not be protected. You still have to finish out the week of pills. Throw the rest of the pack away and start a new pack on Sunday. You also need to use protection until you have taken the first week of pills in your new pack. Don't worry if you forget the last week of pills. These are inactive and in time you will probably end up throwing them away. They are reminder pills. You should have a little pamphlet in your pill pack that explains how all of this works. If you are ever in doubt don't hesitate to call the Health Department or your doctor. I used to have the hardest time remembering to take my pill at the "exact same time" every day. I finally just took it before bed so I always remembered. Try to find something you do around the same time everyday (lunch, sleep, workout, when you wake up etc.. ) and take it then. Make sure you keep your pills in a convenient location. If you are the type of person who isn't home a lot then keep them in your purse. You don't want to be at a friend's house or at dinner and realize your pills are at home. Make sure if you go on vacation you remember to bring them! If you ever go to a doctor for anything he/she will ask you what medication you are on. Don't forget to tell them b/c pills. Never ever let anyone take your pills and NEVER ever offer someone an extra pack of yours. Pills come in various strengths and what works for you may completely fail for someone else. And as puppy pointed out, the pill does not protect against STD's. Be smart and be safe. Good Luck to you!
Posts: 5308 | Location: The Motor City | Registered: 06-03-02
Welcome, Tigre. You should be fine. A few hours here or there isn't going to matter. It's when you miss a day or two here and there that trouble starts. But yes, I agree with everyone else, you must protect yourself if you are having sex. Please repeat after me: "No condom? No sex. Know condom, know sex."
Posts: 4621 | Location: Rochester, NY, USA | Registered: 06-03-02
Thank you for clearing this up for me. Just to let you know I am fully aware of STD's and all of that. But my boyfriend and I have never had sex before eachother (and we trust eachother to be completely honest about that kind of stuff). We do use condoms regularly as a backup method, but this time we didn't.
Posts: 29 | Location: Seattle, WA, USA | Registered: 05-31-03