Can You Get Pregnant If You Miss One Pill?

Missing one pill can result in pregnancy, particularly in women who are taking low dosages of birth control medications. Missed pills should be taken as soon as remembered.

Missing one birth control pill can result in pregnancy.

Function

Birth control pills are contraceptives that function by preventing ovulation in women. Ovulation is the process by which eggs are released by the ovaries for fertilization by sperm, leading to pregnancy.

Benefits

Women are recommended to start the pill within five days after their period begins. Taking birth control pills at the same time each day helps an individual remember to take them.

Considerations

Women missing one pill or frequently skipping pills benefit from using a secondary form of contraception during intercourse and may consider taking a more regulated form of birth control such as the patch.

Warning

According to Oregon State University Health Services, typical use of the pill, meaning some missed dosages, result in 8 percent of women becoming pregnant within the first year on the pill.

Prevention/Solution

As noted by UC Davis Health Services, after missing one pill, backup contraception is recommended until seven consecutive birth control pills have been taken to prevent ovulation leading to potential pregnancy.

References

• UC Davis: birth control pill
• Canadian women's network: the pill
• Oregon State University: contraception