Expert: Norman Solberg - 5/1/2010

Question
Hi Norman,

Recently I missed the last active pill in my pack (day 21 of 28) without realizing it. It was the last day of finals so it just slipped my mind and is the only pill I've missed in the 2 years I've been on the pill. Right before the time I was supposed to take the first inactive pill I had sex, and then went to take my daily pill and realized I had missed a day. At that point I took both the missed active pill and the inactive pill and am now awaiting my period to start within the next couple days. If I do not have my period what are my chances of being pregnant??? Also should I start my next pack early? Would that help any?

Answer
I think your chances of pregnancy are very low.  The worst pill to miss is the first pill in the pack.  The best pill to miss is the last pill in the pack, plus you took it the next day.  Although missing any pill increases the possibility of pregnancy, the chances in your case are extremely low.  Best wishes.