Expert: Drea Jean H. - 5/18/2006

Question
Hi,

I am on my 3rd month of taking birth control.  I have been pretty good at remembering to take the pill consistently every day, as I usually take it when I am getting ready to go to work which is usually between (6:30 - 7:30 am).  However, last week my schedule got a little screwed up due to the fact that I went on a trip that caused a time difference (4 hours ahead).  

Last week Thursday, I took the pill as I normally do since I was still in my hometown.  That night I travelled and reached my destination Friday morning.  I forgot to take the pill all throughout the day and did not remember until about 1:30 am Saturday (which is technically about 9:30 pm Friday at my hometown).  I took the pill immediately and continued my cycle normally for the rest of the pills.  Over the course of the remainder of my trip (Saturday - Monday) I would take the pills whenever I woke up which ranged from 8am - 12pm.

Just last night, my bf and I had unprotected sex and so I had a few questions.  Is there a possibility that I may get pregnant from "missing" that one pill?  Should I consider an emergency contraception?  Will the time difference (while I was on my trip) resulting in me taking the pill at various times of the day in comparison to when I was taking it at home, have an effect on my protection?

I hope all of this info makes sense and helps in you providing an answer.

Thank you,
C.C.

Answer
Hi C.C.,

Your protected. Taking pills within a few hours is fine, and will not up your risk. For most pill brands, you can even occasionally "forget" one up to 12 hours, and it is okay. Missin one pill is okay, you do not need a back up method. It only becomes a problem when you miss 2 or more pills.

The real point of taking them at the same time everyday is so that you don't forget them, if you are in a routine. For the last year, I have always taken my pills at night, somewhere between 9 P.M and 2 A.M., a five hour diffrence, and it has never cause me any problems, so you shouldn't worry.

If, however, you are too concerned, and want to be extra careful, you can follow up with EC, but I think you will be fine.

Good Luck and Thanks,

Drea Jean