Can You Get Pregnant While Taking Birth Control Pills?

Oral contraceptives, pregnancy?

Your girlfriend has been taking oral contraceptives for a month, and during that time, you had unprotected intercourse without resulting in pregnancy.
She started taking the second month's supply of oral contraceptives on the third day of her period.
On the fourth day, you had unprotected intercourse, including ejaculation inside her.
She has been taking the pills consistently every day since then.
Is there a risk of pregnancy in this situation?

Ma, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/09/03

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I have been taking oral contraceptives for a month.
During this time, I had unprotected intercourse and did not get pregnant.
On the third day of my period in the second month, I started taking the oral contraceptives again.
On the fourth day, I had unprotected intercourse, including ejaculation inside.
I continued to take the pills daily as scheduled.
Is there a chance of getting pregnant? Answer: No, there is no chance of getting pregnant.

Reply Date: 2017/09/03

More Info

When it comes to the effectiveness of birth control pills, it's important to understand how they work and the factors that can influence their efficacy. Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives, 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 are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

In your case, your girlfriend has been taking the pill consistently for a month before engaging in unprotected intercourse. The key point here is that for the pill to be effective, it needs to be taken as directed. Most birth control pills require a woman to take one pill daily at the same time each day. If she started taking the pill on the third day of her menstrual cycle and continued to take it consistently, she would be protected from pregnancy after seven consecutive days of taking the pill.

Since you mentioned that she had unprotected sex on the fourth day of the second month of taking the pill, it is crucial to note that if she had been taking the pills correctly and consistently during the first month, she would already have been protected from pregnancy. The fact that she continued to take the pills daily after that point further supports the likelihood that she is protected.

However, there are a few factors that could potentially affect the effectiveness of birth control pills:
1. Missed Pills: If she missed any doses or did not take the pills at the same time each day, this could reduce their effectiveness. It's essential to follow the instructions provided with the medication.

2. Interactions with Other Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics or medications for seizures, can interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. If she has taken any other medications, it would be wise to check with a healthcare provider.

3. Gastrointestinal Issues: If she experienced vomiting or severe diarrhea shortly after taking a pill, the absorption of the hormone could be compromised, which may lead to reduced effectiveness.

4. Timing of Intercourse: Engaging in unprotected intercourse during the first week of starting the pill can sometimes lead to concerns about pregnancy, but since she had already been on the pill for a month, the risk is significantly lower.

In summary, if your girlfriend has been taking her birth control pills consistently and correctly, the likelihood of her becoming pregnant from the unprotected intercourse you described is very low. However, if there are any concerns or if she experiences any unusual symptoms, it would be advisable for her to take a pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance.
It's also worth noting that while birth control pills are effective, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you and your girlfriend are concerned about STIs, using condoms in addition to the pill is recommended for comprehensive protection.

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