Meta Description: Missed a pill? Condom broke? Don’t panic. Here’s a clear, calm guide on what to do next, including your emergency contraception options like Plan B and the copper IUD.
Focus Keyphrase: what to do if I miss a birth control pill
It happens. That sudden, heart-sinking moment when you realize the condom broke, or you forgot to take your birth control pill. Your mind starts racing, and panic can set in fast.
First, take a deep breath. You are not the first person this has happened to, and you won’t be the last. It’s okay to feel scared or stressed, but you have options, and you have the power to take control of the situation.
At CrampCare, we believe in providing calm, clear, and non-judgmental information for these high-anxiety moments. This is your action plan. Let’s walk through it together.
The Situation: You Had Unprotected Sex. What Now?
Whether you missed a pill, the condom failed, or you just got caught up in the moment, the next steps are all about timing. When it comes to preventing pregnancy after sex, the sooner you act, the better.
This is where Emergency Contraception (EC) comes in. EC is a safe way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex. It is NOT the same as the abortion pill. EC works by preventing or delaying ovulation, so an egg is never released and fertilization can’t happen. [1]
Your Two Main Options: The Pill vs. The IUD
There are two main types of emergency contraception available in the United States.
Option 1: The Morning-After Pill (Levonorgestrel)
This is what most people think of when they hear “emergency contraception.”
- The Brand Name: The most common brand is Plan B One-Step, but there are many generic versions like Take Action, My Way, and Aftera that work the exact same way and are usually cheaper.
- How it Works: It’s a single pill with a high dose of the hormone levonorgestrel (a type of progestin).
- The Time Window: You should take it as soon as possible. It can be taken up to 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, but its effectiveness decreases with every passing hour.
- Where to Get It: You can buy it over-the-counter at any pharmacy or drugstore. You do NOT need a prescription or an ID, and there is no age restriction.
Important Note: Studies have shown that levonorgestrel-based EC pills may be less effective for individuals who weigh more than 165 pounds (75 kg). If this applies to you, the other options below are a better choice. [2]
Option 2: The Other Morning-After Pill (Ulipristal Acetate)
There is another type of EC pill that is more effective, especially if more time has passed or if you have a higher BMI.
- The Brand Name: This pill is sold under the brand name ella®.
- How it Works: It uses a different drug (ulipristal acetate) that is more effective at delaying ovulation, even closer to when it’s about to happen.
- The Time Window: It is effective for up to 120 hours (5 days) after unprotected sex, with no decrease in effectiveness during that window.
- Where to Get It: You need a prescription from a doctor or a health clinic to get ella®.
Option 3: The Copper IUD (The Most Effective EC)
This might be surprising, but the most effective form of emergency contraception is actually the copper IUD (Paragard).
- How it Works: A doctor inserts this small, hormone-free T-shaped device into your uterus. The copper is toxic to sperm and prevents fertilization.
- The Time Window: It can be inserted up to 5 days after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy.
- The Effectiveness: It is over 99.9% effective as emergency contraception. [1]
- The Bonus: Once it’s in, you have a super-effective, hormone-free birth control method that can last for up to 10 years!
Best for: Anyone who wants the most effective EC possible and is also interested in a long-term birth control method.
What If I Missed My Regular Birth Control Pill?
This is a super common scenario! Here’s a general guide, but you should always check the patient information leaflet that came with your specific pill pack.
- If you missed ONE pill: Take the missed pill as soon as you remember, even if it means taking two pills in one day. Then continue taking the rest of your pack as usual. You generally don’t need emergency contraception.
- If you missed TWO OR MORE pills: Take the most recent missed pill as soon as you remember and continue your pack as usual (discard the other missed pills). However, you should use a backup method (like condoms) for the next 7 days. If you had unprotected sex during this time, you should consider using emergency contraception.
You Are in Control
That moment of panic is real, but it doesn’t have to control you. Knowing your options is the first step to taking powerful, decisive action for your health.
If you’re ever unsure what to do, don’t hesitate to call your doctor, a local health clinic like Planned Parenthood, or even talk to the pharmacist. They are there to help you without judgment.
And remember to be kind to yourself. Accidents happen. The important thing is that you took care of yourself. You’ve got this.
References
[1] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2022). Emergency Contraception. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/emergency-contraception
[2] Glasier, A., et al. (2011). Can we identify women at risk of pregnancy despite using emergency contraception? Data from randomized trials of ulipristal acetate and levonorgestrel. Contraception, 84(4), 363-367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2011.02.009