Question for the ladies

[SDFgirl]

If you took your BC pill about 12 hours late, would you use a back-up method or consider yourself safe?

If you would use a back-up method, for how long?

Thanks!

Mods - sorry, I wasn't sure if this was okay to ask. Feel free to delete if you need to.

 

[kelsco99]

I would consider it safe (and have many times).

I'm no doctor but I've never had an unplanned pregnancy.

Kelly

 

[Pollito916]

I would think it's ok. During the "off" week you are only taking sugar pills, and you are still ok, so I don't think 12 hours will hurt. I have also done this many times, and have never been pregnant. The only thing that I get is a stomach ache if I take 2 pills too close together.

 

[Shugardrawers]

12 hours no biggie, you be sure to take the next one on time. As someone else said, I'm no doctor and can't guarentee against an unplanned pregnancy. There's only 1 way to do that

 

[golfgal]

I would disagree and for 12 hours I would use a back up just in case. The pill is designed to maintain a certain level of the hormones in your system and a lapse of 12 hours could change that depending on how low of a dose you are taking or whatever. I would use a back up until you have your next cycle.

Dr. DisneySteve is online so hopefully he has a more professional opinion.

 

[kpm76]

I would use backup just to be safe and I would use it until you get your next period. I'd rather be safe than sorry. In order for the Pill to be most effective you need to take it at roughly the same time everyday...12 hours is a big lapse.

 

[SDFgirl]

Thanks guys! Better safe than sorry...

 

[drgnfly30]

I would use backup just to be safe and I would use it until you get your next period. I'd rather be safe than sorry. In order for the Pill to be most effective you need to take it at roughly the same time everyday...12 hours is a big lapse.

I agree.. of course I think it really depends on the dosage... when I was on a low dosage BC, my OB/GYN specifically told me if I didn't take it the approximate same time every day I was NOT safe...

 

[Beth76]

I think you're fine. My pills have instructions on what to do if you miss pills. They don't tell you to use a back-up until you missed two or more pills. Taking one late won't do anything.....probably