Expert: Diane Cheryl - 8/24/2009

Question
Hi Diane, my name is Emily.  I just have a question regarding my birth control.  I am a sunday starter, and last week i had finished my pack.  Saturday is usually my last day of the pack and is therefore my last inactive pill; on Sunday i start with the active pills.  However, last week, instead of taking my last inactive pill, i accidentally took my first Sunday pill of the pack, thinking it was Sunday instead.  I have continued to take an active pill every day since, the only difference is i missed an inactive pill and i am now a day earlier on my pack.  Since then I have had sex with my boyfriend, using a condom as well as having him pull out with the condom on.  Should I be worried about pregnancy? Did my mistake make the pill ineffective?

Thank you SO much

Answer
Dear Emily,

I'm not a doctor but in my opinion, there is not a high chance that you would get pregnant in the scenario you described. However, there is always a slight chance of pregnancy even if you use a method of birth control. No birth control method is 100% safe in preventing pregnancy. Also, there is always a chance of a sexually transmitted disease. I would not recommend having sex if you are worried at all about pregnancy. In my opinion, it's just not worth the worry about pregnancy or STDS. I don't know how old you are but a lot of young people are starting to choose abstinence in their lives. If you want to talk more, just email me at DCHERYL51@yahoo.com and I'll be glad to answer any questions or give advice.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl