Can You Get Pregnant After Taking Birth Control and Having Sex?

Having intercourse immediately after taking contraceptives?

If you started taking the birth control pill on February 13 and had intercourse just ten minutes after taking the pill, there is still a low risk of pregnancy, especially since you have been taking the pill consistently and correctly since your last period on January 30.
The effectiveness of the pill is generally established after taking it for seven consecutive days, but since you started on the first day of your period, you should be protected from pregnancy right away.
If you stop taking the pill, your menstrual cycle may return to its normal pattern, but it can vary from person to person.
Some may experience a withdrawal bleed shortly after stopping the pill, while others may take longer to resume their regular menstrual cycle.
Since you have had similar experiences in the past without issues, it is likely that your period will come as expected.
However, if you have concerns about pregnancy or your menstrual cycle, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Yang Le Dou, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/02/23

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
If you started taking the birth control pill on February 13 and had unprotected intercourse with ejaculation just ten minutes after taking the pill on the same day, there is still a risk of pregnancy.
It is generally recommended to use additional contraception for the first seven days of starting the pill.
2.
If your last menstrual period started on January 30 and you have been taking the birth control pill consistently, stopping the pill may lead to a withdrawal bleed, but it could also result in irregular periods.
3.
It is possible to have unprotected intercourse shortly after taking the pill and still have a regular menstrual period, as the effectiveness of the pill is not immediately compromised.
However, since this time there was only a ten-minute gap, it is understandable to be concerned about the effectiveness.
It is always best to follow the guidelines for pill usage to minimize risks.

Reply Date: 2017/02/23

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you can get pregnant after taking birth control and having sex, particularly in the context of starting a new birth control regimen, there are several important factors to consider.

Firstly, it is crucial to understand how hormonal birth control pills work. Birth control pills are designed to prevent ovulation, which means that they stop the ovaries from releasing eggs. They also thicken the cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to enter the uterus, and thin the lining of the uterus, reducing the likelihood of implantation should fertilization occur. When taken correctly, birth control pills are highly effective, with a failure rate of less than 1% with perfect use.

In your case, you mentioned starting the birth control pill on February 13 and having unprotected sex shortly after, within ten minutes of taking the pill. It is important to note that most birth control pills require about 7 days of consistent use before they become fully effective at preventing pregnancy. Therefore, if you had unprotected sex on the same day you started the pill, there is a possibility of becoming pregnant, as the pill may not have had enough time to take effect.

Regarding your menstrual cycle, you indicated that your last period started on January 30 and that you have been taking the pill consistently since February 13. If you stop taking the pill, your menstrual cycle may return to its natural rhythm, but this can vary from person to person. Some women may experience a withdrawal bleed shortly after stopping the pill, while others may take longer for their cycle to normalize. It is not uncommon for women to have irregular cycles after discontinuing hormonal birth control, especially if they have been on it for an extended period.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy after having unprotected sex shortly after starting the pill, it may be advisable to take a pregnancy test if your period is late. Additionally, if you are looking for immediate contraception after unprotected intercourse, emergency contraception (such as Plan B) can be an option, but it is most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident.

In summary, while hormonal birth control is effective at preventing pregnancy, it takes time to become fully effective. If you have unprotected sex shortly after starting the pill, there is a risk of pregnancy. If you stop taking the pill, your menstrual cycle may return, but this can vary. If you have concerns about pregnancy or your menstrual cycle, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized guidance and support.

Similar Q&A

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Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
If there was unprotected intercourse on the first day after stopping the medication for 7 days, and there are no plans to take contraceptive pills again for the next month, will this result in pregnancy? Answer: This will not result in pregnancy.

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Hello, you should be fine, so please don't worry. Wishing you good health.

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I am taking the birth control pill for the first time and have been on it for nine days. Today is my ovulation period, and I had intercourse with my boyfriend, who ejaculated inside me. Is there a chance I could get pregnant?

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
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