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Q:

I have been on Lo Ovral birth control for the past four years and am usually very good about taking my pill at the same time each morning (although occasionally I have taken it an hour or two late). I have been sexually active with my boyfriend throughout this time. Yesterday I went to use the bathroom and had a small amount of light brown spotting, I then realized that I had forgotten to take my pill 2 and a half hours earlier. I took it then and the spotting stopped a few hours later. I felt concerned because this hasn't been a regular occurrence for me. Should I be concerned about pregnancy if I have been consistent with my birth control usage for so long? Could it be caused by stress? Am I worrying for no reason? Thanks!

 

A:

You are okay. It is not unusual with the low dose pills to start spotting if the pill is not taken exactly on time, but you are not at higher risk of pregnancy as a result.

                     ~The Doc