Expert: Brigid Kowalczyk - 6/26/2006

Question
Dear expert,

I have been taking birth control pills for the last 9 months. I live in the Netherlands and using a pill named Femodeen. Last week, I supposed to start my new pack but I was late (and I am not sure whether it was within 12 hours or not); I took the pill right away, and took the next one on the same day on the normal time (around 9.30pm - 1am). However, I have had sex with my boyfriend that same night, and only took morning after pill 5 days later (as suggested by my doctor). My question, am i most likely to get pregnant? How big are the chances of getting pregnant if i missed my pill, this would be the first time I missed my pill since the first time Im using it.

Thank you for your help

Answer
Always take your pills exactly as prescribed.  When you mess up, you must use a back-up protection such as a condom for the rest of the month.  I doubt that you would get pregnant from missing the first pill of the month.  But don't forget what you are doing.