Expert: Norman Solberg - 12/8/2008

Question
I was put on an antibiotic for a kidney infection in Mid November, then I missed my pill for three days and started my period early, on Thanksgiving.  Because I started my period early I got confused, and did not continue taking the hormonal pills left in my pack.  I missed a total of 5 birth control pills and continued having unprotected sex, just using the withdrawal method.  I also did not realize that I shoould start a new pack when my early period ended, not when the pack that I was on ended. I am on Ortho Tricyclen-lo. If that is the case I should have started a new pack last Sunday, and did not.  I have continued to have unprotected sex and last night my partner ejaculated inside me.  How likely is it that I am pregnant?

Answer
Hi Brittani,
It's thought that the average couple has about a 20% chance of getting pregnant per month.  This assumes that you're ovulating and not using birth control.  In your case, there's no way of knowing when you might have ovulated.  So assuming you're an average couple, there is a 20% or less chance that you're pregnant.  It's generally recommended that for someone on birth control pills, you have a backup method for situations like yours.  The following website will tell you what to do in the future if you miss pills. http://www.wdxcyber.com/bcp.htm