How Does
What Should Happen If I Miss 3 Birth Control Pills?
By Diana
eHow Contributing Writer
Birth Control Pills
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Birth control pills are a form of contraception that involves taking pills daily in order to avoid conception. The pills contain a number of hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, that work together to prevent ovulation. Birth control pills should be taken exactly how your doctor prescribes them and they should be taken every day. If a dose is missed, make sure to follow the directions included with your prescription in order to prevent a pregnancy from occurring.
Missed Dosages
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If you miss a pill, there is at least an increased chance of becoming pregnant. If you miss any doses, you want to be sure to use another method of birth control, such as a condom.
In general, if you miss one dose, you should take the pill as soon as you remember or take two pills the next time you are scheduled to take one. You should use another method of birth control for at least seven consecutive days.
If you miss two pills in a row, take the two pills as soon as you remember or take the two with your next scheduled pill, making three pills total. The chances are higher that you will ovulate, so it is important to use another birth control method for at least seven consecutive days or at least until your next period.
However, if you miss three doses of the pill, chances are very high of getting pregnant. If you have missed three pills in a row, throw away that pack and start a new pack seven days after you took your last pill. Your period should occur sometime during those seven days, and if it doesn't, take a pregnancy test before starting the new pack of pills.
Prevention
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Make sure to use alternate forms of birth control if you have missed even one pill. Keeping yourself protected against pregnancy is very important, but you must remember to follow all directions. If you find that you have a difficult time taking birth control pills every day, then you may want to look into other forms of birth control that might work better for you.
eHow Article: What Should Happen If I Miss 3 Birth Control Pills?
