if you miss 2 birth control pills during week 2 and have sex on those days can you get pregnant?

Hi Anonymous

The pill prevents your period. That is the reason you have a week of placebo pills, so your period comes. So going off the pill will bring bleeding. That's how the hormones work. You cycle may be a little off for a bit, although that does not mean you can't get pregnant.

If you have further questions, let us know. Thank you for writing.

It's not that easy to determine. Some people have gotten pregnant while taking birth control. So it's not accurate to assume that it takes a certain amount of time for it to get "out of your system." If you are trying to get pregnant, some doctors suggest waiting a week after finishing birth control, and others suggest waiting a month, others still recommend waiting until you've had a full menstrual cycle--these opinions are more than likely based on allowing your body to get back on track after stopping hormone medication, and allowing yourself to figure out how your new cycle will go. Taking birth control prohibits your body from ovulating, and regulates your cycle. When you remove the pill from the scenario, your body takes over. After getting off birth control your cycle may not be the same as it was on the pill. So there really is no "safe time."
Typically, once you stop taking birth control, you will ovulate. It could be within a week (if you're an early ovulator), or two weeks or longer depending on how your body works.
Therefore, if you are taking birth control to keep from getting pregnant, it is only as effective as how consistently you take it as directed by your doctor and the paper insert that came with the prescription. Not to mention that I hate to think of how you are messing with your body (hormones) by taking it and then not taking it. This may cause what's called breakthrough bleeding, and also alter your menstrual cycle. I'm not sure if there are any other side effects to taking it inconsistently. Also, when you start taking it, most pill pack inserts suggest using a back up method (withdrawal, condom, spermicide, etc.) the first week until the body has been adequately triggered to not ovulate, and thin the lining of the uterus. Hope this information makes it a bit more clear. Let me know if you have any other questions, and don't be afraid to call your doctor and ask them what they think about your plans. They are there to help you manage your reproductive health.

Hi Anonymous,
Anytime you forget to take your pills, it puts you at risk for getting pregnant. It usually is recommended that when you miss so many pills you throw away the pack and start a new one immediately. I agree with Cary that a backup method may be a good idea for you for the rest of this menstrual cycle. If you're having trouble remembering to take the pill often, a call to the prescribing doctor of your pills could help you find a different method of birth control that works better for you.
For more information, please review these articles: Missing Birth Control Pills and Concerned About Pregnancy: Q&A and and Oops! Missed Birth Control Pill Advocacy Sheet
Good luck and let us know how you're doing.