Birth Control?

Question

is it less effective if you forget to take it every now and then but take double the next time or if you dont always take it the same time but in the same hour ???

Answer 1

Of course it is less effective if you do not take it properly. Use a backup method if this one isn't working for you.

Answer 2

It is less effective if not taken as prescribed. With most birth control pills you can take it withing 2-3 hours of the same time and usually be fine. Mini-pills and progesterone only pills must be taken at the same each day. The pamphlet in the box should have more information and guidelines about when you should really use a backup method (though I believe you should always use a backup method)

If you forget one pill and don't remember until the next dose this does reduce the effectiveness. It is hard to put an exact number on it. Try to associate taking your pill with something you do at the same time every day. OR if your life is crazy, as mine was when I was younger get a watch with an alarm and keep your pills in your purse/wallet at all times.

However, you should strongly consider using more than one form of birth control, as they all have fail rates, and of course sometimes there is user error. If you do not want to use condoms, which I recommend as STDs are dangerous, but I don't know what is going on in your life. You can use spermicides on their own, they come in sponges (most effective), suppositories and films (don't use the films they are too expensive and way to hard to get in, I have tried). You also may be interested in Lea's Shield which is like a diaphragm but does not require a prescription nor a fitting by a doctor.

However every form of birth control has potential benefits and potential side effects. It is best to discuss your options with a nurse or doctor. Planned Parenthood is a great resource, and in most areas they sell the birth control pill at cost, which will save you a tonne of money. If not here are some good sites:
http://www.region.peel.on.ca/health/hsexual/htmfiles/bmethod.htm
http://www.4woman.gov/faq/birthcont.htm

Answer 3

Yes, it's less effective if you forget it and double up next time. Usually you're supposed to take it as soon as you remember. Most of them say as close to the same time every day as possible, but within a 2 hour window is acceptable. Read the instructions that come with your pills to see what your allowances are.

Answer 4

Yes and a little. It is definitely less effective if you forget completely and double up the next day. You are more susceptible to becoming pregnant on the day you forgot. It is a little less effective if you don't take it at the exact same time, but not too much. You are most "at risk" between the time you were supposed to take it and the time you remember to take it on those days.

Hope that helped!

Answer 5

Don't skip pills--ever! If you find yourself skipping pills and then doubling up, it means you're not using the pills right. Find a new way to remind yourself (cell phone alarm, maybe?) OR find a new method of BC. Maybe nuvaring or the patch is a better method for you.

Also, I used to freak out about taking my pill 10 minutes late. After several years, I'm pretty comfortable with taking my pills within a window of an hour or two. As long as I take my pill between 5 and 6:30 every day, I feel pretty safe.

Answer 6

Yes, it's less effective. Take the pill you forgot as soon as you remember it and then the next dose at the regular time. Consider a different method of birth control if you cannot remember to take your pills.

Also, check with your pharmacist, some antibiotics negate the pill and you can get pregnant even while you're taking your pills everyday.

Answer 7

Forgetting to take it can indeed compromise its effectiveness, how much depends on how much and how often you forget. Taking double is a good way not to waste the drugs . If you take it between 3 and 4 in the afternoon, that's fine (note that those times are hypothetical and assumes you normally take it then, but the time fluctuates slightly).

Answer 8

Most combination pills come in either a 21-day pack or a 28-day pack. One hormone pill is taken each day at about the same time for 21 days. Depending on your pack, you will either stop taking birth control pills for 7 days (as in the 21-day pack) or you will take a pill that contains no hormones for 7 days (the 28-day pack). A woman has her period when she stops taking the pills that contain hormones. Some women prefer the 28-day pack because it helps them stay in the habit of taking a pill every day.

Answer 9

If you are missing your dosage, the you double up it dont make any difference, It not the amount of the medicine its when you take it and you have to keep that patern, or it will loose its effect, By the way if you keep forgetting it, you are uneseraly asking for a baby, so you might want to consider to use codoms too. And remeber that pill do not keep you from STD's so you have to use a condom also if you want to be safe, Remember the worlds its full of liars and multipartnes couples, OK. Keep Safe!

Answer 10

You should try to take it the same time everyday if possible..doubling up can cause the pill to be less effective.

Answer 11

It is less than 99.7% effective if you don't take it at the same time EVERYDAY!

If you miss more than two pills (but then double up), plan on using another form of birth control (i.e. condom) for the rest of the month of that pack.