Should You Take Birth Control Pills? Your Cycle and Safety

Should I take birth control pills?

Your normal menstrual period is expected on the 14th, but it arrived early on July 11th due to the contraceptive pill.
Is it possible that the early onset of menstruation on July 11th was a result of the medication? By July 15th, you were completely clean, and you had unprotected intercourse with your boyfriend on July 18th for about 10 to 20 minutes without ejaculation.
On July 20th, you had unprotected intercourse again without ejaculation, and about an hour later, you noticed an increase in discharge along with some white substance.
Is this normal? There was no strong or unpleasant odor.
Does this time frame fall within the safe period? Do I need to take emergency contraception?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/07/20

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the factors affecting the menstrual cycle or intermenstrual bleeding are numerous, including environment, lifestyle, stress, emotional instability, diet, age, lesions of the uterus or cervix, and pregnancy, among others.
The effects of emergency contraception on menstruation can vary; it may not necessarily cause a period to come early or late, and its contraceptive effectiveness is not 100%.
It is recommended that you use emergency contraception, and if your period is more than a week late, you should check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2016/07/20

More Info

When considering whether to take birth control pills, it is essential to understand how they work, your menstrual cycle, and the implications of unprotected intercourse. Birth control pills, particularly combination oral contraceptives (COCs), are designed to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant. When taken correctly, they can be over 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

In your case, you mentioned that your menstrual cycle has been irregular, with your period arriving earlier than expected. This could be due to various factors, including stress, hormonal changes, or the introduction of birth control pills. It is not uncommon for birth control pills to influence the timing of your menstrual cycle, especially in the initial months of use. If your period started on July 11 and you had unprotected intercourse on July 18 and July 20, it is crucial to consider the timing in relation to your ovulation cycle.

Typically, ovulation occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period. If your cycle is around 30 days, ovulation would likely occur around day 16, which would be around July 25 in your case. However, since you are on birth control pills, the likelihood of ovulation is significantly reduced, especially if you have been taking them consistently and correctly.

Regarding your question about whether you need to take emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill"), it is essential to assess the risk of pregnancy based on your contraceptive use. If you have been taking your birth control pills as directed (at the same time every day), the risk of pregnancy from the unprotected intercourse you described is very low. The presence of cervical mucus and other discharge is normal and can vary throughout your cycle, especially when on hormonal contraceptives.

If you are still concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it may be worth consulting with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current contraceptive use. Additionally, if you experience any unusual symptoms or changes in your menstrual cycle, it is advisable to seek medical attention.

In summary, taking birth control pills can be a safe and effective way to prevent pregnancy when used correctly. Understanding your cycle and the effects of the pills on your body is crucial. If you have been consistent with your pill regimen, the chances of pregnancy from the described encounters are minimal. However, if you have any doubts or experience any unusual symptoms, consulting with a healthcare professional is always a good idea.

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