MEDizzy - You are counseling a patient over the phone who has been

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Preventive Medicine

You are counseling a patient over the phone who has been taking oral contraceptives regularly for 2 years. Her husband surprised her with a weekend “get away” vacation, and she forgot to bring her pills. She therefore missed taking one active pill. She and her husband had intercourse during their trip and are not interested in being pregnant at this time. Which of the following is most correct?

ExplanationIt is important to counsel patients appropriately if they miss an oral contraceptive pill. If an active pill is missed at any time, and no intercourse has occurred in the past 5 days, two pills should be taken immediately and a backup method should be used for 7 days. If intercourse occurred in the previous 5 days, emergency contraception should be used immediately and pills should be restarted the following day. A backup method should be used for 5 days. There is no need to change contraceptive method.