Birth Control Question?

Question

i just started taking BC pill for my periods and ive been taking it almost a full month. and once every... 10 days or so i take it 30 minutes late. (because im either doing something or i worked late and i didnt want to take my pills with me)

does it get thrown off when im about 30 minutes late on it? do i have a chance of getting pregnant? the doctor said to take it around the same time and i dunno if 30 minutes is bad or should i take it EXACTLY the same time every day. and if i have to take it exactly the same time. what can i do to remember to take it? any ideas?

Answer 1

You can very by 30 minutes but try to take at the same time.

If you go on antibiotics like for a sinus infection then use condoms or an alternative because antibiotics WILL negate your birth control pills. Seriously.

Answer 2

When I counsel patients, I tell them "around the same time" within an hour or so. Missing one pill (like by hours) decreases the effectiveness but only a little bit. Missing more than one pill in a cycle you should definately be using some other form of contraception. YOu also said you are taking the pills for your period--if you are late with a pill or two you may experience spotting. If it does not resolve when you start taking the pills regularly again-you should call your provider, they will likely have you stop the pack, have a real period and then resume next month.

Answer 3

While you should try to take it at the exact same time every day, you do have a window of about two hours before/after to take the pill without it affecting the effectiveness of the pill with regards to pregnancy.

I've taken it two to three hours late and I am sexually active and I am not pregnant (yet). If you are sexually active and concerned about pregnancy and take it late you could always have your partner wear a condom.

Set your cell phone or watch for the time you want to take it every day. Perhaps change it to the morning when you get ready for work.