Women's birth control pills are oral contraceptives that are manufactured from synthetic hormones. Although, if properly used, they are considered to be nine-seven percent to ninety-nine percent effective, they will not protect a woman from any sexually transmitted disease (STD).

If not taken properly birth control pills can lose their effectiveness. Therefore in order for a woman to minimize her chance of forgetting to take the pill she should make a habit of taking it at the same time every day.

When you begin taking the pill you may not be protected from getting pregnant until you have taken your oral contraceptives for at least ten days in a row. If you forget to take it once you have started then you could become pregnant.

However, sometimes people forget to do things. Here are a number of suggestions on what you should do if you forget to take your oral contraceptive.

If You Miss One Pill

If you've only missed one pill you should take it as soon as you remember that you forgot to take it. Even if you've already taken another pill, or you're about to take one, make sure to also take the one you forgot.

This is especially important if you are taking the minipill, which is a progestin only pill. That's because even if you take it at different times of the day its effectiveness can wear off. Minipills are low dosage pills and their contraceptive effects can wear off rapidly when they are missed.

If You Miss Two Pills

If you have forgotten to take two oral contraceptives then you should take both of them as soon as you remember. You should also take the pill that is scheduled for that day at your regular time.

If You Forget to Take Three Pills

If you miss three pills then you should stop taking the pill for four more days. Then, whether you have had a menstrual period or not, you should begin to take a new pack of oral contraceptives.

During the time you are not taking the pill you should either abstain from sexual activity or use another type of birth control.

If you find that you are regularly forgetting to take the pill then you should consider a different type of birth control.

Because every person is, to some degree, different, you should always consult with your doctor before following any medical recommendations or advice.

Some women have experienced negative side effects after taking oral contraceptives. In some instances the pills have caused life-threatening diseases.