Can Forgetting to Take Birth Control Cause Bleeding?

If you miss or take any pills late, you may spot or bleed and should use a back-up method until you start the next pack of pills. If you are late with a pill by 4 hours or more, be sure to use a back-up method until you start the next pack of pills.

How long does breakthrough bleeding last when you miss a pill?

If the bleeding is light or just 'spotting' that lasts for two or three days, keep taking the hormone pills daily as you have been. If the light bleeding continues for more than three or four days, or is more like a moderate or heavy period that lasts for more than a day, a four-day break from the Pill is recommended.

Why do I bleed when I miss a birth control pill?

Missing a pill may cause breakthrough bleeding or spotting. If you forget to take more than one pill a month, a second form of birth control (condom) is needed to prevent pregnancy. This second form of birth control will be needed until you start the next pill pack.