What if I miss a Pill?

Try not to! Of course people do inevitably miss Pills; it’s only human nature.

If you miss only one Pill, you’ll probably be OK; take it as soon as you remember – and then take the next one on time (even if that means you’re taking the two of them at the same time).

If you want to be super-careful, you could avoid sex for the next seven days – or take extra precautions.

However, if you’re more than 12 hours late in taking the Pill, avoid sex for the next seven days – or take extra precautions.

But missing more than one Pill is quite risky – particularly near the beginning or end of a packet. To avoid pregnancy, follow the advice on the pack leaflet strictly.

To be frank, the ‘missed Pill advice’ in these leaflets is pretty complicated – and keeps being changed! If you’re in doubt:

ring one of the Family Planning centres listed at the end of this article for personal advice

consider using emergency contractprion (the morning-after Pill)

do not have sex until you’re sure you’re fully protected.

07/29/2010 05:59 PM

Calcium pills 'raise' heart risk

Calcium supplements taken by many older people could be increasing their risk of a heart attack, research shows.

07/29/2010 06:54 PM

Pregnant women rights questioned

The right of women to choose whether they have home births is being questioned by a leading medical journal.

07/29/2010 07:28 PM

Addiction drugs 'aid weight loss'

A combination pill of two drugs used to treat addiction may help people lose weight, say US researchers.

07/29/2010 11:17 AM

Child heart op ban 'should stay'

Children's heart surgery should remain suspended at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital where four babies died, a report says.

07/28/2010 06:07 PM

Public health fear in NHS revamp

The overhaul of the NHS may harm the public health drive, a health think tank is warning.

07/28/2010 05:48 AM

Say fat not obese, says minister

GPs and other health professionals should tell people they are fat rather than obese, England's public health minister says.

07/28/2010 06:07 PM

Hip hope from stem cell technique

Doctors may soon be able to patch up damaged bones and joints anywhere in the body with a simple shot in the arm.

07/27/2010 07:12 PM

Alcohol can 'lessen' arthritis

Drinking alcohol can reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, a study has found

07/27/2010 06:40 PM

Warning for obese mothers-to-be

Obesity levels among pregnant women have reached epidemic levels, putting the health of their babies at risk, experts say.

07/27/2010 07:08 AM

'Emergency fund' for cancer drugs

The government announces a £50m fund aimed at giving patients access to cancer drugs sooner.