If you forget to take your birth control pill, the steps you need to take depend on how many pills you missed and when you missed them. Here are some general guidelines based on the search results:

• If you miss one pill: Take the missed pill as soon as possible, even if it means taking two pills in one day. Then, continue taking the rest of your pills as normal. You may need to use another form of birth control for the next 7 days if you missed a pill during the first week of a new pack.

• If you miss two or more pills: Take the most recent missed pill as soon as possible and discard any other missed pills. Then, continue taking your pills on schedule, even if it means taking two pills in one day to get back on track. You may need to use another form of birth control for the next 7 days.

• If you miss a placebo pill: You can throw it away and keep taking one pill a day until you finish the pack. Start a new pack the day after you finish your old pack. You don’t need backup birth control as long as you start your new pack on schedule.

• If you miss a progestin-only pill: Take the missed pill as soon as possible, even if it means taking two pills in one day. Then, continue taking your pills on schedule. You may need to use another form of birth control for the next 2 days.

If you miss your birth control pill, you may be at risk of getting pregnant, depending on when and how many pills you missed. If you had unprotected sex and are concerned about pregnancy, you may want to consider taking emergency contraception (EC). EC can be started up to five days after unprotected sex. If you have any concerns or questions about missed birth control pills, you should contact your healthcare provider or a nurse for advice.