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What to Do About Missed or Skipped Birth Control Pills

Table of Contents


Overview

Follow your health professional's instructions on what to do if you miss or skip your birth control pills.

Always read the pill label for specific instructions. Or call your doctor. How likely pregnancy is depends on a few things, such as when you missed the pill, how many pills you missed, what kind of pills you take, and whether you had sex.

Combination (estrogen plus progestin) birth control pills

Here are some basic guidelines:

Progestin-only pills

Here are some basic guidelines:


Credits for What to Do About Missed or Skipped Birth Control Pills

Current as of: November 27, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
Clinical Review Board (https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/abouthw/en)
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.


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