What Happens If You Take Birth Control Too Often?

Approximately one in ten oral contraceptive users may forget to take their daily pill, and sometimes this leads to an accidental double-dose and the question of what happens if you take birth control too often. While typically not dangerous, taking more than prescribed can cause side effects and is not an effective form of emergency contraception.

Quick Summary

Taking an extra contraceptive pill is generally harmless, though it may cause temporary side effects like nausea or spotting. Intentionally taking a large number of pills can lead to more pronounced symptoms and may signal a mental health emergency. Overdosing does not terminate a pregnancy and is not a substitute for emergency contraception.

Key Points

• Accidental Double-Dosing is Common and Safe: Taking one extra pill is usually not harmful and is a common mistake that does not pose a serious health risk.

• Expect Mild, Temporary Side Effects: Symptoms like nausea, spotting, and breast tenderness may occur but typically resolve on their own.

• Continue Your Schedule as Normal: After a single double dose, simply take the next pill at the usual time and finish the pack a day early.

• Intentional Misuse Requires Medical Attention: Taking multiple pills intentionally can cause more severe side effects and should be treated as a medical emergency, with a call to Poison Control.

• Birth Control is NOT Emergency Contraception: Misusing birth control pills to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex is ineffective and potentially dangerous.

• Overdosing Does Not Terminate Pregnancy: Taking excessive birth control will not end a pregnancy and can cause unnecessary health risks.

• Know the Emergency Signs: Seek immediate medical help for severe symptoms like heavy bleeding, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or indications of a blood clot.

Understanding the Hormonal Impact of Extra Doses

Oral contraceptive pills contain synthetic versions of the hormones estrogen and progestin, which work primarily to prevent pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and thinning the uterine lining. Taking a pill more frequently than directed means introducing a higher-than-normal level of these hormones into your system at one time. For a single extra pill, this hormonal spike is usually well within a safe range, as the hormone levels are relatively low compared to doses that would cause serious health issues. The body is equipped to process these fluctuations, which is why a mild double dose is typically not a cause for alarm.

Why Do People Take Extra Pills?

People take extra birth control pills for various reasons, with the most common being an accidental oversight. For example, a change in daily routine might cause someone to forget they already took their pill and take another. Another scenario involves a missed pill from the previous day, where package instructions sometimes advise taking two pills in one day to get back on schedule. Some people might also intentionally misuse pills, believing it will work as a form of emergency contraception or even terminate a pregnancy—both dangerous misconceptions.

What Happens After an Accidental Double Dose?

In the event of accidentally taking two birth control pills in a single day, most individuals will not experience any serious or long-term health consequences. The side effects are usually temporary and mild, subsiding on their own within a day or two.

Common mild side effects include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Spotting or light vaginal bleeding
• Breast tenderness
• Headaches
• Slight drowsiness
• Mood changes

After taking the extra pill, you should continue with your regular schedule the next day. This means you will simply finish your pack one day earlier than usual. Your contraceptive protection will remain intact, and you do not need to take any further steps unless symptoms are severe or persistent.

Symptoms of Taking Multiple Extra Pills

If a person intentionally takes a large number of pills, the resulting hormone surge can lead to more pronounced symptoms. While still unlikely to be fatal due to the low toxicity of the hormones, it is a serious situation that requires medical attention.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Significant vaginal bleeding
• Intense headaches
• Extreme fatigue or drowsiness
• Discolored urine
• Changes in mood or emotions, such as severe irritability or depression

If these or any other severe symptoms occur, especially those indicating a potential blood clot, it is crucial to seek immediate medical help.

Comparison: Accidental Double Dose vs. Intentional Misuse

Feature	Accidental Double Dose	Intentional Misuse (Multiple Pills)
Cause	Forgetfulness or minor scheduling error.	Attempt at emergency contraception, abortion, or self-harm.
Severity of Symptoms	Mild and temporary (nausea, spotting, headaches).	Potentially more severe, including heavy bleeding, intense vomiting, and mood swings.
Associated Risks	Generally low to non-existent for healthy individuals.	Increased risk of blood clots, especially with pre-existing conditions or other risk factors.
First Aid Action	Continue normal schedule the next day.	Call Poison Control, or seek emergency medical help for severe symptoms.
Mental Health	Not typically an indicator of a mental health crisis.	Requires assessment for underlying mental health issues and support.

What to Do If You Take Birth Control Too Often

For a Single Accidental Extra Pill

If you accidentally take one extra birth control pill, stay calm. The steps are simple and straightforward:

1. Do not skip your next scheduled dose. Continue taking your pills as you normally would, at the same time each day.
2. Finish the pack. You will simply complete your pack one day earlier. Start your next pack on time to maintain continuous protection.
3. Observe for mild side effects. If you experience nausea or spotting, these should pass quickly. Eating a bland meal may help with nausea.

For Multiple Extra Pills or Intentional Overuse

Taking several pills at once is a more serious situation, especially if done intentionally. It requires immediate attention and should not be managed alone.

1. Contact Poison Control: For anyone in the United States, calling the Poison Control helpline at 800-222-1222 is the first step. The service is confidential and available 24/7. They can provide expert guidance based on the specific type and quantity of medication taken.
2. Seek Emergency Medical Help: Call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately if severe symptoms develop, such as heavy bleeding, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or symptoms of an allergic reaction.
3. Address Mental Health Concerns: If the overdose was intentional, it is a mental health emergency. Medical professionals will provide appropriate care and offer support resources.

A note on misuse for emergency contraception or abortion

It is vital to understand that birth control pills are not a substitute for proper emergency contraception, nor can they induce an abortion. Taking multiple birth control pills for these purposes is ineffective and potentially harmful. In such cases, a healthcare provider should be consulted immediately for proper guidance and options.

Potential Long-term Effects and Risks of Misuse

For most healthy people, a single instance of taking too many pills is not associated with long-term health risks. However, the hormones in birth control, particularly estrogen, increase the risk of certain conditions, and repeated misuse or high-dose exposure can be particularly risky for some individuals. These risks include:

• Blood Clots: The estrogen in combined oral contraceptives can slightly increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot in the leg. This risk is higher for those over 35, those who smoke, or those with a family history of clotting disorders.
• Heart Attack and Stroke: Blood clots that travel to the lungs, heart, or brain can cause a pulmonary embolism, heart attack, or stroke. While rare, the risk is elevated in people taking estrogen-containing birth control who have other risk factors, like high blood pressure or smoking.
• Liver Issues: In extremely rare cases, taking high doses of hormones can potentially increase the risk of benign liver tumors.

Conclusion

Accidentally taking an extra dose of your birth control pill is a common mistake and is usually not dangerous. The resulting side effects are typically mild and temporary. However, the intentional misuse of multiple pills is a serious matter and can lead to more severe symptoms, necessitating immediate medical evaluation. It is crucial to remember that birth control pills are not a viable form of emergency contraception or a method for terminating a pregnancy. The best way to maintain both contraceptive effectiveness and personal safety is to follow your doctor's instructions for daily dosing and seek professional help if you have concerns about your dosage, side effects, or mental well-being. For authoritative information on birth control and its safe use, resources like Planned Parenthood can provide reliable guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I accidentally took two birth control pills in one day?

If you accidentally take two pills in a day, simply continue with your regular schedule. You will finish your pack one day early, but your contraceptive protection will not be affected, and you are unlikely to experience serious side effects.

Can taking too many birth control pills harm me?

Accidentally taking one or two extra pills is typically not harmful. However, intentionally taking a large number of pills is dangerous and requires immediate medical attention, even though the hormones have low toxicity.

What are the symptoms of taking too much birth control?

Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, headaches, spotting, or vaginal bleeding. With larger overdoses, symptoms can be more pronounced. Call Poison Control or seek medical help for severe symptoms.

Does taking extra birth control pills work as emergency contraception?

No, taking extra birth control pills is not a reliable method of emergency contraception. There are specific emergency contraceptive pills, like Plan B, that are far more effective.

Can overdosing on birth control end a pregnancy?

No, overdosing on birth control pills will not end a pregnancy. It is ineffective for this purpose and could cause harm to your health.

When should I call a doctor after taking too many pills?

While an accidental extra pill is usually fine, you should call a doctor or Poison Control for advice if you have taken multiple extra pills intentionally or accidentally. Seek emergency medical attention for severe symptoms.

Are there long-term health risks if I occasionally double-dose?

For most healthy individuals, occasional, accidental double-dosing does not carry significant long-term risks. However, underlying health conditions or risk factors, such as smoking, can increase the risk of complications like blood clots.

What if I experience severe bleeding after taking too many pills?

If you experience heavy or unusual vaginal bleeding, such as soaking through a pad in less than two hours, or have severe abdominal cramps, seek immediate medical attention.