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What are the risks if I miss a birth control pill?

Why Birth Control Can Be Tricky 

There are a lot of misconceptions out there about birth control.  Many women who are on the Pill (whether it’s the mini pill or even a non-prescription option like Opill) have been told over and over again that you have to take it at the same time every day. And while that sounds simple in theory, real life is messy. Keeping track of when to take your pill can be a lot. It’s so easy to forget to take a dose or have a missed birth control pill. 

Why? Because you were just busy living! 

The truth is that no birth control medicine or contraceptive is 100% effective, and they come with risks and side effects.1 And if you miss a pill (or don’t take it at the same time each day!), that ups the risk of pregnancy. Even if you “miss a pill” because it made you nauseous and you vomited, that can mess with its effectiveness!  Yep, a side effect of the hormone pill (and emergency contraception) can make it harder for the pill to work — go figure!2

The reality is, this method of birth control and emergency contraception just isn’t that intuitive to a real woman’s daily living. Our cycles (from ovulation, periods, to pregnancy!) are part of the natural way our bodies work! Whether you’re planning for your future and goals (or you’re worried about a missed period) the whys (and why nots) behind birth control are something to think on. Your health and future are worth the consideration.

A missed birth control pill can have side effects.

What Happens If You Miss a Pill?

A missed birth control pill isn’t just about the anxiety of “did I mess this up?” There’s the very real chance of pregnancy. If you forget to take your pill for more than 24 hours, there can also an increased risk of side effects.3 In general, birth control pills and emergency contraception can have a range of side effects from annoying and uncomfortable to dangerous:

– Nausea

– Mood swings

– Irregular bleeding

Weight changes

– Acne and headaches

– More serious risks like blood clots 1, 4

Keeping up a routine (when life is unpredictable) can lead to a lot of pressure. And if you’re already someone who feels anxious about forgetting a pill, it might be worth thinking about a different approach. And there is another option. The only sure way to keep from getting pregnant is to delay having sex.1 And that’s a kind of birth control that doesn’t have any of the side effects we talked about!

Does anyone delay sex anymore?

Actually, yeah! Look, if the stress of keeping up with the pill is giving you a headache, I get it. Trying to keep control of your future? Well, if you’re sexually active, that can feel like a lot of pressure. One thing that I think we don’t talk about enough is that delaying sex is always an option — and honestly, it’s a pretty stress-free one. Why? Well, there’s:

– Zero risk of pregnancy

– No hormonal side effects

– No stressing over missed pills

– Freedom from worry about STDs

Plus, it gives you the mental and emotional space to really focus on your goals and your well-being. No missed birth control pill, no surprise pregnancies — just peace of mind. It can be super empowering to make that decision for yourself — whether or not your partner agrees. It’s your body. He doesn’t get to decide that sex is okay if you’re not ready for it. That’s a big secret to confidence. It’s your future and your health. No one can make this choice but you. And no one will be impacted by your choice as much as you. 

Join the movement of women taking charge of the future. We’re embracing our femininity without sacrificing our goals and health. We believe we can have fulfilling romantic relationships with confidence. 

Your Body is Amazing—Get to Know It

One thing I’ve learned is that the more you understand your cycle, the more in control you feel. Like, knowing when you’re ovulating or spotting the signs that your period is about to start can help you stay on top of your reproductive health. Here’s why it’s helpful for us ladies:

– Recognizing early signs of pregnancy

– Spotting irregularities in your period

– Tracking ovulation to understand your emotions

– Catching early signs of potential health issues

This knowledge is powerful! Why? If something feels off — like your cycle suddenly changes or you’re having unusual symptoms — you’ll be able to recognize it early and take action.

She’s chosen to delay sex and no longer needs to worry about a missed birth control pill.

Feeling Unsure? ThriVe Can Help

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Wait, I might actually be pregnant,” don’t panic. You have options, even now. You have time. But to take the first step, you need to make sure whether or not you’re actually pregnant. ThriVe has your back with no-cost services like:

– Pregnancy tests

– STI screenings

Ultrasounds

And the best part? You won’t be paying out of pocket or dealing with any judgment. It’s all about getting accurate results so you can make the best choice for you. At no cost, you’ll be able to get a clear picture of what’s going on. Then you can take whatever informed steps feel right for you. 

If you’re just curious about learning more about women’s health, our blog section is packed with medically accurate info that helps you feel confident about what’s going on with your body. There’s no shame in staying informed.

At the end of the day, delaying sex might be the right choice if you’re worried about the impact of birth control on your health or future. It lets you stay focused on what really matters — your emotional well-being and your long-term goals. Plus, it takes the stress and unpredictability of birth control completely off the table.

Healthy • Safe • Strong

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