How long after my regular time can I take a birth control pill for it to still be effective?

Question

I usually take my birth control pill at 7 o'clock but every now and then I forget and take it an hour, sometimes 3 hours later. Will I still be protected for the rest of that day or even the next day?

Answer 1

You have to take birth control pills daily, but it isn't protecting you just on that day. They work by adding hormones to your system to prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg that month.
As you know, for best protection, you need to take the pill at the same time every day. An hour later likely wouldn't decrease your protection at all---3 hours, also probably not, but if you are even a tiny bit worried, use a condom or other method of birth control for the rest of that month.