Protection Status After Missing Slynd Birth Control Pill
You are not fully protected against pregnancy after missing one Slynd (drospirenone) pill and need to use backup contraception for 2 consecutive days.
Understanding Slynd (Drospirenone-Only Pill)
Slynd is a progestin-only pill (POP) containing 4mg of drospirenone. Unlike combined hormonal contraceptives, POPs have different guidelines for missed pills:
- For progestin-only pills like Slynd, protection is compromised when a pill is taken more than 3 hours past the scheduled time (meaning more than 27 total hours since the previous dose) 1
- In your case, missing Friday's pill and starting a new pack on Saturday means you've exceeded this window
Recommended Actions
Take the missed pill as soon as possible
- You've already started a new pack, which is appropriate
Continue taking remaining pills at the usual time
- Take your pills at the same time each day, preferably in the evening
Use backup contraception for 2 consecutive days
- According to CDC guidelines, you need to use condoms or abstain from intercourse for 2 consecutive days after missing a progestin-only pill 1
Consider emergency contraception if needed
- If you had unprotected intercourse during the time you missed your pill, consider emergency contraception 1
Why This Matters
Missing a progestin-only pill increases your risk of pregnancy because:
- POPs work primarily by thickening cervical mucus and thinning the endometrial lining
- These effects can diminish quickly when pills are missed
- While Slynd has a longer half-life (30-34 hours) than some other POPs 2, the official guidelines still recommend backup contraception after missing a dose
Important Considerations
- Timing is critical: POPs must be taken at approximately the same time each day for maximum effectiveness
- Effectiveness: With typical use, progestin-only pills have a failure rate of 5-9% 3
- Placebo pills: Even though you took your last placebo pill before missing a day, starting a new pack late still requires backup protection
Moving Forward
To maintain contraceptive effectiveness:
- Set a daily alarm to remind you to take your pill
- Consider keeping emergency pills in multiple locations (purse, car, workplace)
- If you frequently miss pills, discuss with your healthcare provider about switching to a longer-acting method that doesn't require daily adherence, such as an IUD or implant
Remember that consistent use is essential for contraceptive effectiveness. Missing even one pill can potentially compromise your protection against pregnancy.