Dear Dookydooky,

It depends on what kind of pill you are taking. If you are taking a combined-hormone pill — which contains estrogen and progestin — you are protected against pregnancy as long as you take your pill each day.

If you are taking progestin-only pills, the pill may be less effective if you take it more than three hours earlier or three hours later than usual. If this happens, you should use a backup method of birth control, like a latex or female condom. (For example, if you've been taking your pill at noon, and you decide to take it earlier than 9:00 a.m. or later than 3:00 p.m., you should use a backup method.)

Check out this chart to see what to do if you forget a pill or two.

Missing pills can cause spotting or light bleeding — even if you make them up. You also may feel a little sick to your stomach if you take two pills to make up for a missed pill.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.