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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Should I Take Inactive Pills After Missing Two Non-consecutive Pills And Having Unprotected Sex?

I have been on the combination pill for four months. Sometime in my last pack I have missed two pills, I have no idea where. I am supposed to start my first inactive pill on Thursday. I had unprotected sex on Saturday and Sunday. I did take my pills in the week leading up to the unprotected sex. I do also know that I did not miss two consecutive pills. What do I do with the two left over pills? Do I still take the inactive pills for this pack?
posted on Mon, 6 May 2024
Twitter Tue, 14 Oct 2025 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 31 Oct 2025 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Ideally you should take the pills as instructed. Failing to take the pills or forgetting to take it will only make you prone to getting pregnant. However, since you took all pills correctly in the 7 days before sex, the missed pills were not consecutive, and you have been consistent so it is likely that you are protected.

Take inactive pills as usual and continue your next pack on schedule. After finishing your placebo week, start your next pack on time, even if your period hasn’t fully stopped. There is no need for emergency contraception but if you are within 72 hour of penetrative intercourse than you can consider taking it.

If your next withdrawal bleed is much lighter or absent, you can still take a pregnancy test for reassurance, but it’s very unlikely to be positive.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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Should I Take Inactive Pills After Missing Two Non-consecutive Pills And Having Unprotected Sex?

Hello, Ideally you should take the pills as instructed. Failing to take the pills or forgetting to take it will only make you prone to getting pregnant. However, since you took all pills correctly in the 7 days before sex, the missed pills were not consecutive, and you have been consistent so it is likely that you are protected. Take inactive pills as usual and continue your next pack on schedule. After finishing your placebo week, start your next pack on time, even if your period hasn’t fully stopped. There is no need for emergency contraception but if you are within 72 hour of penetrative intercourse than you can consider taking it. If your next withdrawal bleed is much lighter or absent, you can still take a pregnancy test for reassurance, but it’s very unlikely to be positive. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician