Pregnancy Chances After Stopping Birth Control Pills

Sexual activity after discontinuation of medication?

Hello, Doctor.
I would like to ask...
I have been taking birth control pills for four months (21 pills), and my menstrual cycle has been relatively normal during this time.
However, since I am planning to get pregnant, I did not take the last three pills of last month on the evening of June 17.
My period started two days early.
I had sexual intercourse on the morning of June 22, which was the first day after my period ended, and I had intercourse twice on June 26, with ejaculation occurring only once.
During all these encounters, I did not use condoms and there was internal ejaculation.
What is the likelihood of becoming pregnant under these circumstances? Also, when would be a good time to use a home pregnancy test? Thank you for your guidance!

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/28

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

You have been taking the oral contraceptive pill for four months (21 pills).
During these four months, your menstrual cycle has been relatively normal.
However, since you are planning to conceive, you did not take the last three pills last month.
Your period started two days early on June 17.
You had sexual intercourse on the morning of June 22, the first day after your period ended, and had two instances of sexual intercourse on June 26, with ejaculation occurring only once.
Throughout this process, no condoms were used, and there was internal ejaculation.
1.
What is the likelihood of becoming pregnant?
Answer: There is a chance of pregnancy, but the likelihood is only average.
2.
When can I use a home pregnancy test?
Answer: You can use a home pregnancy test on July 18.

Reply Date: 2017/06/28

More Info

When considering the chances of becoming pregnant after stopping birth control pills, it's important to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and how they affect your menstrual cycle and ovulation. Birth control pills, particularly combination pills, contain hormones that prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant.
After discontinuing the pill, your body may take some time to adjust back to its natural hormonal rhythm. For some women, ovulation can resume almost immediately, while for others, it may take a few cycles. In your case, since you stopped taking the pills and experienced a withdrawal bleed (which is similar to a period) shortly after, it indicates that your body is beginning to regulate itself again.

You mentioned that you had unprotected intercourse on several occasions after stopping the pill, particularly around the time of your expected ovulation. The timing of your sexual activity is crucial. Typically, ovulation occurs about 14 days before your next expected period. If you had your withdrawal bleed on June 17 and had intercourse on June 22 and 26, you could potentially be within your fertile window, especially if your cycles are regular.

Regarding the likelihood of pregnancy, if you had unprotected intercourse during your fertile window, there is a chance of conception. The sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if you ovulated shortly after your last sexual encounter, there is a possibility of becoming pregnant.

As for when to take a pregnancy test, it is generally recommended to wait until at least the first day of your missed period for the most accurate results. Since you stopped taking the pill and had a withdrawal bleed, you can expect your next period around the same time as your usual cycle. If your cycle is regular and you do not get your period as expected, you can take a home pregnancy test about a week after your missed period for the best accuracy.

In summary, your chances of becoming pregnant after stopping the pill depend on various factors, including the timing of ovulation and the timing of intercourse. If you suspect you might be pregnant, waiting until after your expected period to take a test will provide the most reliable result. If you have any concerns or irregularities in your cycle, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.

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