Expert: Mia - 9/9/2008

Question
Hi,
I have been on the pill for about 2.5 months, taking it faithfully. I took my pill on time last night and had "unprotected" sex with my boyfriend (I typically use a diaphragm and spermicide as well because I am super paranoid but did not use them last night). Tonight, though, I took my pill about 3 hours late. I usually take it at 9:15 PM but remembered and took it at 12:30 AM. Is there a chance that I might get pregnant from taking it 3 hours late? Thanks for your response.

Answer
Hi Karisa,

Your chances of becoming pregnant are extremely small. While you should take the pill at the same time every day, taking it a few hours late one time will not reduce its effectiveness.

If this was the first pill in a new pack, your chances of becoming pregnant does increase a bit since you have been off the active pills for 7 days already. In this case you should a back-up method for the next 7 days. Still, the chances of pregnancy is small.

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

-Mia