Can I Get Pregnant After Taking Birth Control Pills for the First Time?

Oral contraceptives

I would like to ask, I started taking the contraceptive pill "Yueji" on the fifth day of my period on June 27th, and on July 7th, I had intercourse with my boyfriend, during which he ejaculated inside me.
This is my first time taking the contraceptive pill.
Is there a chance I could become pregnant?

Xiao He, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/09

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On June 27th, I started my period, and on the fifth day, I began taking the emergency contraceptive pill.
On July 7th, I had intercourse with my boyfriend, and he ejaculated inside me.
This is my first time taking the emergency contraceptive pill.
Will I get pregnant? Answer: You are unlikely to become pregnant.

Reply Date: 2018/07/09

More Info

When considering the question of whether you can get pregnant after starting birth control pills for the first time, it's essential to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and the timeline for their effectiveness.
Birth control pills, such as the one you mentioned (likely a combination of estrogen and progestin), are designed to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. However, the effectiveness of these pills is highly dependent on when you start taking them in relation to your menstrual cycle.

Typically, if you start taking birth control pills during the first five days of your menstrual cycle (which is considered the "first week"), you are protected from pregnancy right away. Since you started taking the pill on the fifth day of your period, you should have been protected during your sexual encounter on July 7, assuming you took the pills consistently and correctly.
However, if you started the pill at a different time in your cycle or if you missed any doses, the effectiveness could be compromised. It generally takes about seven days of consistent use for the pill to reach its full contraceptive effectiveness if you start taking it at a time other than the first five days of your cycle.
In your case, since you began taking the pill on June 27 and had intercourse on July 7, you should have been adequately protected, provided you took the pills as directed. It's also important to note that the effectiveness of birth control pills can be influenced by other factors, such as certain medications, gastrointestinal issues (like vomiting or diarrhea), or not taking the pill at the same time every day.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, consider taking a home pregnancy test if your period is late or if you experience any unusual symptoms. Additionally, if you have any doubts or experience side effects from the pill, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to discuss alternative contraceptive methods if necessary.

In summary, if you started taking the birth control pill correctly and consistently, you should be protected from pregnancy during your sexual encounter. However, if you have any concerns or questions about your specific situation, reaching out to a healthcare professional is always a good idea for reassurance and guidance.

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