Missing 5 Pills Of Birth Control

In our latest question and answer, our pharmacist discusses what happens if you miss 5 birth control pills in a row.

May 07, 2018

Faith asked

I'm 18 years old and missed 5 of my birth control pills. Its a long story on why but I missed 5 during week 1. I only took Sunday and Monday pills then stopped. Also this is my second month on it and I'm taking Tri-Sprintec. I had unprotected sex on 3 of those missed days and he ejaculated inside of me. I'm worried that i might be pregnant and one nurse told me to stop taking them just in case so i stopped taking them. I haven't had any withdrawal bleeding since I stopped taking them is that normal? Could I be pregnant?

Answer

If you miss more that 3 doses of most birth control pill products, including Tri-Sprintec, you will be recommended to throw away your pack and start a new pack. Since you missed 5 pills in a row, you will need to start a new pack and you are at risk of becoming pregnant if you had unprotected sex during this time.

Below are the recommendations for missing 3 or more doses, based on whether or not you are a "Sunday" starter or "Day One" starter:

Day One Starter

  • Throw out the rest of your birth control pill pack and start a new pack the same day.
  • There is a chance you will miss your period this cycle, which is known as amenorrhea. Your cycle should return to normal with the next pack however.
  • You could become pregnant if you had unprotected sex during your missed doses and for 7 days after you restart your pills.

Sunday Starter

  • Take one birth control pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday, throw out the rest of your birth control pill pack and start a new pack the same day. 
  • You could become pregnant if you had unprotected sex during your missed doses and for 7 days after you restart your pills.

As mentioned above, it is not unusual to not have your period the first month after you restart pills. However, you may experience spotting or bleeding when you miss doses. If you have had unprotected sex and missed doses, it would be prudent to  see your doctor to rule out pregnancy. 

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