15 Minutes Late, Big Deal? - Birth Control Message Board

legalrun · 07-05-2007, 03:39 PM

Someone told me that taking oral contraceptives 15 minutes later than the previous day cuts the effectiveness in half. Is this true? I tend to take mine in a 20 minute time frame.

Bracelet · 07-05-2007, 03:49 PM

That someone is a liar and you should not listen to them. My pill time was always between 9-10pm but sometimes I'd take it at 12 instead and it was never any less effective that I'm aware of.

Depending on which pill you take, it might make you have some spotting if you're too late taking it. But 15 minutes is nothing, I really wouldn't worry about it. If it's more than 3 hours though, you should start thinking about being more careful.

FromSqueaky · 07-05-2007, 09:55 PM

I take it at bed time. My bed time always varies. I am late taking my pills anywhere from 1-6 hours late. I have been like that for years. I don't spot ......though I use. I am not a good example so don't do like me. I'm just telling you so that you will have a peace of mind that you are fine taking it 15 min late.

Thisby · 07-05-2007, 10:19 PM

That is completely and totally untrue. That person has no idea what she/he was talking about. 20 minutes either was is not going to make any difference, you are fine.

beanerz777 · 07-06-2007, 09:09 PM

I took BCP's for 18 years (minus the times I stopped to have kids) and never had a special time that I took it and never got pregnant. I never even knew I was supposed to take them at the same time!! YIKES!! 15 min... definitley not something to worry about.