i had my 7days off form the pill and yesterday was my 8th day, i completely forgot to take my pills out with me and wouldnt have been able to even try and get back home to get my pills to take them on time. i was 4hours late taking them, i took todays one as i normally should.... is this ok? will i need to take extra precautions for a while???

thanks xxxx

You should always take extra precautions if you're not sure, because it's better to be safe than sorry. It's the women who skip pills, double-up, take them late and don't use a backup method while on antibiotics who end up pregnant while on the pill.

While the first pill of your new pack is the most crucial, I think that since you were late by only 4 hours you may be ok. I don't know which pill you are taking, but I think you have an 8 hour window in which to take it before it becomes a problem. Unless you are on the mini-pill, in which case you're totally screwed if you don't take it at the same time every day.

You should always endeavor to take it at the same time every day, but sometimes people just forget and take it later. I think you'll probably be fine, but I definitely encourage you to use a backup method for at least a full week of pills (that's 7 days), just to be on the safe side.

im on microgynon, combined pill... thank you for your comments they're v appreciated, does it only take a week to get everything back to normal? i dont have to wait til next month or anything?

I agree, you should be fine. ( I just did the exact same thing you did ;) ). If you want to be sure, wait 7 days for full protection, but you should definately be ok after that as long as you take your other pills correctly,.

im sorry for replying again... im not having a v good week at remembering things anyways and it didnt help that my BF had my phone when i was supposed to take my pill (it has alarms on it) and therefore i forgot again today. i was 7 and 1/2 hours late this time. i'm really annoyed at myself you'd think i would have learnt by now. should i used extra precautions for longer now??

Absolutely use extra protection. I just wanted to say that, just because you are on the pill doesn't mean that you don't have to use condoms. I was on the pill for a really long time but i still used a condom because I was very careful. Remember that while the pill is supposed to prevent pregnancy, it does not prevent STDs.

Since you are having so much trouble remembering taking your pills, I think it's important for you to always use backup protection. I think it's imperative, if you don't want to get pregnant, for you to use some backup protection. If you honestly can't remember to take your pill for real, you may want to consider trying a different method of birth control.

i've never forgotten them before, i've just had a lot on lately, I've just started my A levels and all the work is quite stressful, i'm tryin to juggle alot of things at one time, the pill just seemed to leave my thoughts for a few days... i will take precautions for a few weeks and i have to go for a check up at the doctors soon too so i'll speak to her about it too. Thank you so very much for all you comments you've settled my mind. xxxx

Hi,

I would encourage you to use back-up birth control methods for the remainder of your pill pack. Since you have missed a couple of pills and were late with some of them, I would not take the chance! It is much better to be over protected than under protected. Believe me! Just use a condom during the rest of this month and keep taking your pill. I think you are more than likely safe without the condom, but I would not take the chance. It is not worth the risk. I always say that when in doubt, use back-up methods. If you are unsure what to do, call your doctor and ask him/her. Plus, read your prescription leaflet for advice. In the meantime, stay protected and make sure you maintain consistency with your pills.

Good luck to you!