Expert: Mia - 11/23/2008

Question
Hi Mia! I am happily married to my hubby, whom I met five years ago. Here is my question. I missed the very last pill of my last pack, because I was away and forgot to take it with me. I then had my week of no pills and had my period. The remaining pill was thrown away, if I remember correctly. Then, and this is the 'dumb' part, I was three days late starting my new pack, and furthermore, started a new brand. To top it off, hubby and I had sex the weekend that the last pill was missed, as well as within the first two days of taking the new pack, which of course was started three days late as well. Have I lost you yet? Haha. We're married and not planning a baby YET, but part of me would be thrilled to have one now. We both love kids and definitely plan to have them! Anyway, I would just like to know exactly what the liklihood of pregnancy might be now. And for all you teens out there who may be reading this, DO NOT be this careless about your birth control! It is only that I am married and having a baby would not be such a bad thing that I allowed myself to be in this position!!! Thanks Mia. Looking forward to your response.

Answer
Hi Lucy!

I think I have it correct: you missed your last pill, then had your inactive week, then started your next pack 3 days late, for a total of 11 days without an active pill? If this is correct, then yes, it is possible that you ovulated and that you could be pregnant. Anytime you go more than 7 days without the pill you increase your chances of pregnancy. When you resume going on the pill after this and don't use a back-up method for at least 7 days, you also increase your chances of becoming pregnant. This doesn't mean you definitely are, just that it is a possibility.

Since you and your husband would like to have kids someday, I suggest you just wait it out until you are able to test. Since it is also possible that your period could be skipped or change this month due to the late pill pack, I suggest taking a pregnancy test once it has been at least 14 days since you last had sex during this time (it looks like that would be the second day of the new pack.) If it is negative, wait a few more days and then test again to be sure.


I hope this helps! If you have further questions let me know.

-Mia