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Expert Q&A
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| By Michael D Benson, MD Attending Physician, Highland Park Hospital, IL | ||
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I have been on the pill for almost a year. Recently I went away to college and couldn't get my prescription filled. Due to that I won't be taking my pill for the next month. I also have had unprotected sex during this time I have been off the pill. My question is how long after you stop taking the pill can you get pregnant? û Nicole
You risk pregnancy as soon as you are one day late in starting the next package. However, missing one day is certainly not as risky as missing the entire month. Spermicides and/or condoms provide reasonable alternatives to no protection. Also, most physicians will be willing to phone in such prescriptions, and can do so even out-of-state. If you are a few days late for your period, you should do a home pregnancy test."
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