Losing a birth control pack can be unsettling, raising concerns about contraceptive protection. Clear steps can help maintain your health and prevent unintended pregnancy.
Your First Steps
Upon realizing your birth control pack is missing, search thoroughly in common places like your purse, car, or desk. Do not take extra pills from a different pack or double up later, as this can disrupt your cycle and hormone balance. Contact your prescribing doctor or a local pharmacy as soon as possible to discuss the situation and determine next steps.
Understanding Pregnancy Risk
The risk of pregnancy after a lost birth control pack depends on several factors, including the type of pill and when the loss occurred. If you are on a combination pill, which contains both estrogen and progestin, missing active pills can increase pregnancy risk, especially if it happens in the first week of a new pack or if multiple active pills are missed. Placebo pills, taken during the last week of a 28-day pack, do not contain hormones; missing these does not affect contraceptive protection as long as the next active pack is started on time. For progestin-only pills, the timing is even more crucial, as missing a dose by more than three hours is considered a missed pill, significantly increasing the risk of ovulation and potential pregnancy. If there is any uncertainty about your protection, or if unprotected intercourse has occurred, immediately using a backup birth control method, such as condoms, is advised.
How to Get a Replacement Pack
Obtaining a replacement birth control pack involves contacting your healthcare provider or pharmacy. You can reach out to your prescribing doctor for an immediate new prescription or an emergency refill. Many pharmacies may provide an emergency supply or a “bridging prescription” at the discretion of the pharmacist, especially if your prescription is recent. When contacting them, be prepared to provide information such as the type of birth control you use and the date you took your last pill. Telehealth services and online platforms offer convenient ways to consult with a healthcare professional and get a refill prescription sent electronically to a local pharmacy or mailed directly to you.
When to Consider Emergency Options
In situations where there is a high risk of pregnancy due to unprotected sex or suspected contraceptive failure after losing your pack, emergency contraception (EC) might be necessary. EC is designed to prevent pregnancy after an incident, not as a routine birth control method. Discuss these options promptly with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable choice for your circumstances.
Types of Emergency Contraception
The most common types of emergency contraceptive pills include levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate. Levonorgestrel-based pills are most effective when taken within 72 hours (three days) of unprotected sex, though they may offer some effectiveness up to 120 hours (five days). Ulipristal acetate can be effective for up to 120 hours (five days) after unprotected intercourse and may be more effective than levonorgestrel, particularly between 72 and 120 hours. Additionally, a copper intrauterine device (IUD) can be inserted by a healthcare provider up to five days after unprotected sex and is the most effective form of emergency contraception, offering over 99% effectiveness.