ok i want to know if im being over cautious. over the last few days i havent been takeing the pill at the exact same time...like give or take an hour or so. but yesterday i forgot to take it till 6 hours after i usually do. so i told my bf that i wanted to wait a week or so before we have sex again... just to make sure that we are protected...and to get me back on a schedual of takeing it at the same time daily. so honestly.....am i just being paranoid or am i being rightfully cautious?
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Forgot :(
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An hour either way is no problem, but for many pills six hours is a lot and your caution is justified.
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I don't know which pill you're taking, 4 hours late is a common limit. It has been said that you're OK if you take it with 12 hours, but I don't know the source of that information, and I'm not sure that I trust it. And of course it depends whether you're late with an active or inactive pill.
Brown University Student Health Services says:
In reply to:
What if I'm late taking pills or I miss a pill?
Taking your pill consistently every day gives you the best protection against pregnancy. Occasionally you may be late taking a pill or forget to take a pill. Spotting is likely to occur if you miss pills, but more importantly, the effectiveness of your BCPs can also be compromised. Here are some instructions to help enhance the effectiveness of your BCPs in those situations:* If you are less than 12 hours late for your pill, take it. You may wish to consider using a condom for the next 7 days, if you are not already consistently using condoms for STI protection.
* If you forget 1 pill and 12 to 24 hours have elapsed since your last pill, take it as soon as you remember, then take your regular pill for that day at the same time you usually take it. Use condoms for the next 7 days.
* If you forgot 2 pills in a row in the first 2 weeks, take 2 pills, 6 hours apart, on the day you remember, and 2 pills, 6 hours apart, the next day. Take 1 pill per day until the pack is finished. Use condoms for at least 7 days.
* If you forget 2 pills in the 3rd week OR you miss 3 pills or more in a row at any time:Sunday Starters
Keep taking a pill every day until Sunday. On Sunday throw away the unused portion of the pack and start a new pack. Use condoms for at least 7 days.First Day Starters
Throw out the rest of the current pack and start a new pack the same day. Use condoms for at least 7 days.If you had intercourse without a condom during a time when you made a pill mistake, call Health Services to discuss whether you should consider emergency contraception.
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im on lutera