Birth Control - Why do they tell you to use backup if you miss a pill? - Trying to Conceive (TTC) Message Board

luckygirl2007 · 08-23-2007, 08:39 AM

Hi everybody,

I am new here (actually been reading, but never posted before). My husband and I are ttc for about a month now. I never realized that there are only a couple days a month to conceive. Why is it when you are on the pill, they suggest you use a back-up method for seven days if you miss more than two pills, or just start a new pack the following Sunday? It almost makes me wonder if your chances of conceiving are better if you stay on the pill, but sporadically miss a couple days here and there!! There is a lot of information on this board and I would like to thank everybody for sharing!

Nicole

blue_eyed_girl · 08-23-2007, 11:16 AM

There is only a 98/99% chance of not getting pregnant on the pill. That % is only accurate if you take the pill as you are supposed to. I believe the first and third weeks are the most important. If you miss more than one pill in those weeks, you increase your chances of getting pregnant. So, using backup is a precaution.

Destea · 08-23-2007, 12:11 PM

Basically what they're saying is - because it's a preventative measure, your odds at 99.7% effectiveness go away, so there's a 'better' chance of getting pregnant if you miss the pill - but only slightly. It's probably more of a liable thing - it wouldn't BOOST your ability to get pregnant, just decrease your protection percentage. It'd still be like.. 85% HARDER to get pregnant on the pill by just missing one does than it would to use nothing at all... know what I mean?