Supporting the User
Managing Missed Pills
It is easy to forget a pill or to be late in taking it. Adolescents are more likely to forget pills and so may need extra support and guidance.
COC users should know what to do if they forget to take pills. If a woman misses one or more pills, she should follow the instructions below. Use the If You Miss Pills tool to help explain these instructions to the client.
Making Up Missed Pills With 30–35 μg Estrogen‡
Key message |
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Missed 1 or 2 pills? Started new pack 1 or 2 days late? |
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Missed pills 3 or more days in a row in the first or second week? Started new pack 3 or more days late? |
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Missed 3 or more pills in the third week? |
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Missed any nonhormonal pills? (last 7 pills in 28-pill pack) |
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Severe vomiting or diarrhea |
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‡ For pills with 20 μg of estrogen or less, women missing one pill should follow the same guidance as for missing one or two 30–35 μg pills. Women missing 2 or more pills should follow the same guidance as for missing 3 or more 30–35 μg pills. |
How Can a Partner Help? |
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The client’s partner is welcome to participate in counseling and learn about the method and what support he can give to his partner. A male partner can:
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