Can You Get Pregnant After Starting Birth Control on Day 5 of Your Period?

Oral contraceptives

If you start taking the first pill on the 5th day of your period and your period completely stops the next morning after taking the pill, and then you have unprotected intercourse in the afternoon, is there a chance of getting pregnant? This is a 21-day pill regimen.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/11/18

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, when starting to take birth control pills for the first time, it is recommended to begin on the first day of your menstrual cycle.
If you start taking the pills after the second day of your period, it is advised to use additional contraceptive methods for the first seven days of taking the pills.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2017/11/18

More Info

When it comes to starting birth control pills, timing is crucial for ensuring their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. If you begin taking the pill on the fifth day of your menstrual cycle, there are several factors to consider regarding the risk of pregnancy, especially if you engage in unprotected intercourse shortly after starting the medication.

First, let's clarify what is meant by the "fifth day" of your period. The first day of your menstrual cycle is considered the first day of your period (the day you start bleeding). If you start taking the birth control pill on the fifth day of your period, it means you are beginning the medication after four days of bleeding. This is generally acceptable, but it is important to understand how the timing affects contraceptive efficacy.

According to medical guidelines, if you start taking combination birth control pills (like the 21-day regimen you mentioned) on the first day of your period, you are immediately protected against pregnancy. However, if you start taking the pill after the first day—such as on the fifth day—you may not have full contraceptive protection for the first seven days of taking the pill. This means that if you have unprotected intercourse within the first week of starting the pill, there is a risk of pregnancy.

In your specific scenario, if you started taking the pill on the fifth day of your period and then had unprotected intercourse on the same day (the sixth day of your cycle), there is a possibility of becoming pregnant. Since you mentioned that your period was still ongoing but had significantly lightened by the time you started the pill, it is essential to consider that the hormonal changes induced by the pill may not have fully taken effect yet. The hormones in the pill work to prevent ovulation, but this process takes time, and it is not instantaneous.

To summarize, if you started taking your birth control pill on the fifth day of your period and had unprotected intercourse shortly thereafter, there is a risk of pregnancy because the pill may not have provided adequate protection yet. It is generally recommended to use an additional form of contraception, such as condoms, for the first seven days after starting the pill if you begin taking it after the first day of your period.

In conclusion, while starting the pill on the fifth day of your period is permissible, it is crucial to understand the implications for contraceptive effectiveness. If you have any concerns about potential pregnancy or the effectiveness of your birth control method, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and to discuss alternative contraceptive methods if necessary. Additionally, if you experience any irregularities in your menstrual cycle or have questions about your birth control regimen, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step.

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