Can You Have Unprotected Sex After Starting a New Birth Control Pack?

Oral contraceptives

1.
Yes, you can have unprotected intercourse after starting the second pack of oral contraceptives (Alesse) on the 8th day.
If you have taken the pills correctly and consistently, the risk of pregnancy is very low.
2.
Feeling nauseous or having a desire to vomit can be a side effect of taking oral contraceptives.
This can occur as your body adjusts to the hormones in the pills.
If you have a history of chronic constipation, it may also contribute to your discomfort.
If the nausea persists or worsens, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/04/16

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello,
It is recommended to start taking the medication on the first day of your menstrual period, ideally at the same time every day for a continuous period of 21 days.
After completing the 21 pills, take a break for seven days, during which your period will occur.
Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) must be taken at the same time every day; correct usage can achieve a 99% effectiveness rate in preventing pregnancy.
Common side effects of contraceptive pills include headaches, dizziness, heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding, nausea, vomiting, edema, increased cervical mucus, cervical hypertrophy, increased appetite, weight gain, skin itching, acne, fatigue, depression, flushing, feelings of weakness, breast tenderness, and increased risk of yeast infections.
If symptoms are severe, please consult a physician for evaluation.

Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.

Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2018/04/16

More Info

When it comes to the use of oral contraceptives, understanding their effectiveness and side effects is crucial for anyone considering or currently using them. Based on your question regarding the use of a new pack of birth control pills after a break, let's delve into the details.

1. Can You Have Unprotected Sex After Starting a New Birth Control Pack?
Yes, you can have unprotected sex after starting a new pack of birth control pills, but there are important considerations. When you start a new pack of oral contraceptives, it is generally recommended to wait at least seven consecutive days of taking the pills before relying solely on them for contraception. This is because it takes time for the hormones in the pills to build up in your system and effectively prevent ovulation.
In your case, since you took a break for seven days after finishing the first pack and then started the second pack on the eighth day, you should be protected from pregnancy as long as you took the pills consistently and correctly. However, if you missed any doses or did not take them at the same time each day, this could reduce their effectiveness, and it would be wise to use additional contraception (like condoms) for the first seven days of the new pack.

2. Why Might You Experience Nausea After Starting the Second Pack?
Nausea can be a common side effect of starting a new pack of birth control pills. This is due to the hormonal changes that occur in your body as it adjusts to the introduction of synthetic hormones. Some women may experience nausea, breast tenderness, or mood swings as their bodies adapt. If you have a history of constipation, it may exacerbate feelings of nausea, as digestive issues can sometimes be linked to hormonal changes.

If the nausea persists or becomes severe, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider. They may suggest trying a different formulation of birth control pills that might be easier on your stomach or provide additional strategies to manage the side effects.

In summary, after starting a new pack of birth control pills, you can have unprotected sex after taking the pills consistently for seven days. If you experience nausea, it could be a side effect of the hormones in the pills, and you should discuss this with your doctor if it continues or worsens. Always remember that communication with your healthcare provider is key to managing your reproductive health effectively.

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