In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R’ Avraham

In memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

Backup contraception after missed POP
June 25, 2019

Question

I recently switched from using regular hormonal birth control to using progesterone only pills due to headaches. I missed a pill this week and was late taking the next day’s pill. The doctor has told me that unlike with regular hormonal birth control, you cannot make up a missed pill when taking POPs. They said we should be using backup method of protection when being intimate for up to 14 days. Is this permissible? And if so, what methods would be ok?

Answer

In such a case you should use spermicide (such as VCF) as a backup method until you are protected by the progesterone only pill.
You may find it helpful to set a reminder on your phone to take the pill each day. Taking it at the same time every day may also help minimize irregular staining from the mini pill.
Please feel free to get back to us with any further questions.

Yoatzot Halacha: Answering Women’s Halachic Questions

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