When people say "the same time"...

Question

This is my first time taking birth control ever in my life, and I'm still trying to learn the ropes. Everyone says you have to take it at the same time every day, but is there a window for that? If I take it a few minutes off from the night before, will that mess with the effectiveness? What about within the same hour? 
Also, the other night I was two hours late (my dear sweet boyfriend snoozed my alarm and then forgot to remind me lol 🙄) but eve said that it wasn't a big deal. So what is the truth?

Answer

Unless you are taking the mini-pill, progesterone only, you don't have to worry too much. I set an alarm to start a habit of taking it, but even then I am not too worried about taking it a couple hours late. Taking the mini-pill makes it more important to take it within an hour or two. Otherwise, don't freak out too much! Even if you miss a day, it's still okay. Just read the instructions that came with your BC. I definitely freaked out about it when I started taking it.

Answer

As long as you take it within the hour you're golden. If you're off by a couple hours once in a blue moon, you'll also still be okay. There should be a little booklet that comes with each pack that tells you more about what to do if you forget to take it on time.

Answer

I'd say anywhere past 2-3hours your protection will actually drop by a bit. I've taken it a couple hours late sometimes and I'm perfectly fine.
"Perfect use" is +/- an hour though.

Answer

If it’s been more than two hours since your scheduled time, it’s late. If it’s been more than twelve hours, it’s a missed pill and your pamphlet will likely tell you to double up on the next dose.

Answer

I don't count mine late unless I'm over an hour late. Definitely get it as close as possible when you can. If you're ever super late or forget use a backup method for a couple weeks just to be extra paranoid

When people say "the same time"...

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