The short explanation
It depends on which type of progestogen-only pill you use. Some traditional progestogen-only pills need to be taken within a narrow window, usually three hours of the same time each day, to remain effective. Others, which contain a different progestogen, have a twelve-hour window. If your pill has a three-hour window, five hours late counts as a missed pill. The usual advice is to take it as soon as you remember, continue as normal, and use condoms for the next two days. If you had unprotected sex in the last few days, ask about emergency contraception. Check your pack leaflet or ask a pharmacist to confirm.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- Breastfeeding may give some extra protection if your baby is under six months, fully breastfed and your periods have not returned, but it is not reliable on its own once these conditions are not met.
- Setting a daily alarm can help you take the pill on time.
- If remembering is hard with a new baby, a longer-acting method such as an implant, injection or IUD may suit you better.
- Emergency contraception options can be used while breastfeeding.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This answer cannot tell your pregnancy risk exactly. A pharmacist or doctor can advise based on your pill type.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- Which type of progestogen-only pill am I using, and what is its window?
- Do I need emergency contraception?
- How long should I use condoms?
- Would a longer-acting method suit me better?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Get help the same day
- Get advice the same day from a pharmacist or doctor if you had unprotected sex recently.
Book an appointment soon
- Do a pregnancy test about three weeks after unprotected sex if you are worried.
Raise it at a routine appointment
- Book a routine appointment to discuss longer-acting methods if daily pills are hard to remember.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
Who wrote and reviewed this
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- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
- Written with AI assistance — not yet reviewed by a person
- Last reviewed
- Not yet reviewed by a person
- Version
- 1
Correction history
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No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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