Missed Birth Control Pills: What to Do & Pregnancy Risk

Question
I'm on Necon 777 generic for Ortho Novum 777.  I started my last period on 2/6.  I skipped 2 doses on 2/17 and 2/18.  I took 3 pills on 2/19 to make up the missed doses.  Do you think I'm pregnant?

Answer
Dear Tracy,

First, according to the manufacturer, if you miss 2 pills in Week 1 or Week 2, you should take 2 tablets the day you remember and 2 tablets the following day and then continue taking one pill a day until the pack is finished. During that cycle, you should use a back-up method of birth control. If you miss 2 pills in the 3rd Week OR miss 3 pills in a row, you should throw out the rest of the pack and start a new pack that same day. You should also be using a back-up method of birth control if having sex within 7 days of missing those pills.

I can't really evaluate your chances of pregnancy. If you had otherwise unprotected sex within the week after the pills were missed, then there is a window of opportunity for pregnancy. My suggestion is to use a back-up method for the rest of the cycle and see whether you get your period when you expect it to arrive. If you don't or if it is lighter than normal, you should wait until the week after the period and test for pregnancy to be sure.

I hope this has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda