What should I do if I missed 3 birth control pills?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Missing 3 birth control pills significantly increases your risk of pregnancy. Take the most recent missed pill immediately, discard the others, and continue your pack as scheduled. Use a backup method like condoms for at least 7 days. If you had unprotected sex in the past 5 days, consider emergency contraception (such as Plan B or ella). Contact a healthcare provider for personalized guidance based on where you are in your cycle.

Not sure what to do next? Missing multiple pills can leave you feeling anxious and unsure whether emergency contraception, a pregnancy test, or a doctor's visit is your best next step. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify your situation in minutes—no signup or cost required—so you can act quickly and confidently.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what missed birth control pills mean Find out if symptoms need care today Discover likely causes of bleeding or cramps See OTC options for bleeding or cramps Find a doctor for birth control questions Understand medically valid home remedies for symptoms Check if missed pills need urgent care

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Explanation

Missing 3 birth control pills can increase the chance of pregnancy.

Steps to Take:

Use Backup Contraception: Start using another form of birth control, such as condoms, right away.
Consider Emergency Contraception: If you had unprotected sex, emergency contraception may be effective in reducing the risk of pregnancy if taken within a certain time frame.
Contact a Healthcare Provider: They can provide guidance on how to proceed with your birth control pills and discuss whether emergency contraception is a good option for you.

It's important to address missed pills quickly to maintain effective contraception. If you're experiencing any unusual symptoms or have concerns about potential pregnancy, try our free AI symptom checker to help you understand what steps to take next and whether you should seek immediate medical attention.

(References)

Fraser IS, & Jansen RP. (1983). Why do inadvertent pregnancies occur in oral .... Contraception, 6413129.
Wollum A, Zuniga C, Blanchard K, & Teal S. (2023). A commentary on progestin-only pills and the "three-hour .... Contraception, 36801392.
Rodrigues I, Grou F, & Joly J. (2001). Effectiveness of emergency contraceptive pills between 72 .... American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 11262449.

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