AboutAllison Expertise I can answer questions on birth control including how they work, the pros and cons of different methods, why you might choose one over the other, how to correct mistakes you may have made in using the device and more. As well, I can help with general knowledge on STIs, symptoms, incubation, transmission, and treatment.
Experience I have experience in birth control and sexual health education counselling since 2003. I have worked with two affiliates of the International Planned Parenthood Federation and have been extensively trained by them. As well, I have a Masters in Applied Science (Sexual Health).
Question my girlfriend just finished her pack of ortho novum 777 and she consistently takes the pill on schedule every day... she is a Sunday starter and she missed her last active pill which was on Saturday... she never took it and just continued with the inactive pills and started her period on Tuesday... what effect will it have missing the last active pill and is she protected?
Answer Dear Keith,
For the pills to work properly they all need to be taken. Because your girlfriend never took the last pill, she is currently not protected from pregnancy.
This means that she needs to be using a back up method, such as condoms, until the pills start working again. When she starts her next pack, she will have to treat it as if she is starting from the beginning. The pills take 7 days to work, so she will need to use condoms from now until she has taken 7 active hormonal pills in the new pack. On day 8 she can have sex without a condom and be fully protected (assuming she has taken the pills right).
As well, if you have had sex within the last 5 days without protection, I would advise she take the Emergency Contraceptive pill. EC can work up to 120 hours (or 5 days) after having sex and if she missed the pill entirely there is a small chance she could have ovulated. I don't know where you live, but in some countries they are available from pharmacies, and all doctors and hospitals have them in stock.
Ask her to have a look at this website for information on what to do if she misses pills again in the future:
The key is to take the missed pill as soon as it is remembered, even if it means taking two at the same time. She can use the attached link to see what she needs to do if it is more than 24 hours since her last pill.
