Expert: Diane Cheryl - 10/18/2009

Question
What happens if you do not make up a missed birth control pill? -I have never missed a birth control pill in the 5 months that I have been taking it but I accidently did on Thursday. I didn't notice that I had missed the pill until Friday and ended up throwing the missed pill away and just took the one for Friday. I didn't realize that I was suppose to take the missed pill too on Friday and I am kind of embarrassed. Will not taking the missed pill cause a major difference even if I continue to stay on track from now on? And how long does light bleeding or spotting usually last from one missed pill?

Answer
Hi Kelly,

I hope nothing happened from you missing one pill. I don't think it would make a big difference. But really, you can get pregnant, even if you take all the pills correctly. No birth control method including the pill, can guarantee 100% that you won't get pregnant. Did you suffer any bleeding from missing one pill? If you did have bleeding, I would think it would not last long. I would encourage you to find a non-hormonal method of birth control and also consider abstinence as it prevents pregnancy worries, any side effects from the hormones or any chance or sexually transmitted diseases. I don't know how old you are but there is some helpful information at http://www.teenbreaks.com
Let me know if I can help you further. My email address is CHERYL51@aol.com and I am always ready to listen or answer any questions.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl