Could I Be Pregnant? Risks After Stopping Birth Control

Is there a possibility of pregnancy?

The last menstrual period was from December 31, 2016, to January 5, 2017.
Since August 2016, I have been taking the oral contraceptive pill (Kylian) regularly every month.
The pharmacist advised me to take it for six months and then stop for two months, so I stopped taking it in December 2016, making this month the second month off the medication.
I plan to resume taking the pill next month.
From February 1 to February 5, I experienced a significant amount of clear discharge.
On February 3, I had intercourse with my boyfriend, using withdrawal as a method of contraception.
As of today (February 12), my period has not yet arrived.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy? (I took a pregnancy test this morning, which showed negative.)

Bu xiang shang ban, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/13

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

The last menstrual period was from December 31, 2016, to January 5, 2017.
Since August 2016, I have been taking the contraceptive pill (Kylian) regularly every month.
The pharmacist advised me to take it for six months and then stop for two months, so I stopped taking it in December 2016, making this month the second month off the medication.
I plan to resume taking it next month.
From February 1 to February 5, I experienced a large amount of clear discharge.
On February 3, I had intercourse with my boyfriend, using no condom and with external ejaculation.
As of today (February 12), my period has not yet arrived.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy? (I took a pregnancy test this morning, which showed negative).
Answer: There is still a possibility of pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2017/02/13

More Info

When considering the possibility of pregnancy after stopping birth control, it is essential to understand the various factors that can influence this outcome. Based on your timeline, you have been consistently taking the birth control pill (Prilosec) from August 2016 until December 2016, at which point you stopped for a two-month break as advised by your pharmacist. You experienced a withdrawal bleed from December 31, 2016, to January 5, 2017, which is typical after stopping hormonal contraceptives.

After stopping the pill, it is common for the menstrual cycle to take some time to regulate. Some women may experience irregular cycles or delayed periods for a few months after discontinuing hormonal birth control. In your case, you mentioned that you had a significant amount of clear discharge from February 1 to February 5 and had unprotected intercourse on February 3, which raises the question of whether you could be pregnant.

The fact that you have not yet received your period by February 12 could indicate a few possibilities. While it is possible to become pregnant shortly after stopping birth control, the negative pregnancy test you took in the morning suggests that you are not pregnant at this time. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable when taken after a missed period, but they can sometimes yield false negatives, especially if taken too early.

Here are some important points to consider regarding your situation:
1. Timing of Ovulation: After stopping birth control, ovulation may occur later than expected. If you had unprotected intercourse close to your ovulation window, there is a chance of pregnancy. However, since you tested negative, it is less likely that you are pregnant.

2. Hormonal Fluctuations: Your body may still be adjusting to the hormonal changes after stopping the pill. This adjustment can lead to changes in your menstrual cycle, including delayed periods or unusual discharge.

3. Follow-Up Testing: If your period does not arrive within a week or so, it may be advisable to take another pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation. Blood tests can also provide more accurate results than home tests.

4. Contraceptive Counseling: If you are considering continuing or resuming birth control, discussing your options with a healthcare provider can help you make an informed decision. They can provide guidance on the best contraceptive method for your needs and help you understand the timing for resuming the pill.

5. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep an eye on any other symptoms you may experience, such as breast tenderness, nausea, or fatigue, which could indicate pregnancy or hormonal changes.

In summary, while it is possible to become pregnant shortly after stopping birth control, the negative pregnancy test suggests that you are not currently pregnant. However, if your period does not arrive soon, consider retesting or consulting a healthcare professional for further advice. It’s essential to monitor your body’s signals and seek guidance as needed to ensure your reproductive health is managed effectively.

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