Can You Get Pregnant During the 7-Day Break from Birth Control Pills?

Emergency contraceptive pill

I took my first oral contraceptive pill on November 13th.
I had never taken any before this month.
Between July and October, I took emergency contraception 4 to 5 times.
I am using a 21-day birth control pill regimen, followed by a 7-day break, after which I will start a new pack.
My question is, if I have unprotected intercourse during the 7-day break, is there a risk of pregnancy?

You, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/12/05

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On November 13, I took my first oral contraceptive pill for the first time; I had never taken it before, starting in November.
Between July and October, I had taken emergency contraceptive pills 4 to 5 times.
I am using a 21-day birth control pill regimen, followed by a 7-day break, after which I will start a new pack.
My question is, during the 7-day break, if I have unprotected intercourse with ejaculation inside, is there a risk of pregnancy? Answer: No, there is no risk of pregnancy.

Reply Date: 2018/12/05

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you can get pregnant during the 7-day break from birth control pills, it's essential to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and the implications of the pill regimen you are following.

Birth control pills, particularly the combination pills that contain both estrogen and progestin, are designed to prevent ovulation. When taken correctly, these pills are highly effective at preventing pregnancy. The typical regimen involves taking one pill daily for 21 days, followed by a 7-day break during which you do not take any pills. This break usually coincides with your menstrual period.

During the 7-day break, if you have been taking your birth control pills consistently and correctly for at least 21 days prior to the break, you are still protected against pregnancy. This is because the hormones from the pills remain in your system and continue to suppress ovulation. Therefore, if you have unprotected intercourse during this week, the likelihood of becoming pregnant is very low, assuming you have adhered to the pill regimen without missing any doses.

However, if you have missed pills or have not taken them consistently, your risk of ovulation increases, and consequently, so does the risk of pregnancy. Additionally, if you have taken emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill") multiple times in the months leading up to starting the birth control pills, it may have affected your menstrual cycle and hormone levels, which could also impact the effectiveness of your birth control.

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 pills at the same time every day. If any of these factors apply to you, it may reduce the effectiveness of the pills, increasing the risk of pregnancy during the break.

In summary, if you have been taking your birth control pills as directed for at least 21 days before the 7-day break, you should be protected from pregnancy during that week, even if you have unprotected intercourse. However, if you have any doubts about your pill-taking habits or if you have experienced any issues that could affect the pill's effectiveness, it may be wise to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to discuss additional contraceptive methods if necessary.

In conclusion, while the risk of pregnancy during the 7-day break from birth control pills is generally low for those who have taken their pills correctly, it is crucial to be aware of your own pill-taking habits and any factors that may influence the effectiveness of your contraception. If you have further concerns or questions about your specific situation, reaching out to a healthcare professional is always a good idea.

Similar Q&A

Can You Get Pregnant During the 7-Day Break from Birth Control Pills?

Hello Doctor: If I take the 21-day birth control pills and then take a 7-day break before starting the next pack, will I get pregnant if I have intercourse during those 7 days off?

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it is generally unlikely to become pregnant. Wishing you good health.

Can You Get Pregnant During the 7-Day Break After Birth Control Pills?

If I have taken all 21 pills of the birth control pill on time, can I get pregnant if I have unprotected intercourse during the seven-day waiting period after finishing the pills?

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, you should be fine, so please don't worry. Wishing you good health.

Can You Get Pregnant During the 7-Day Break from Birth Control Pills?

Hello Doctor: If I take oral contraceptives for 21 days and then stop for 7 days, is there a risk of pregnancy if I have unprotected intercourse during the 7-day break? Is there still contraceptive effectiveness during this time? Thank you.

Dr. Dong Yuhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: If you are taking oral contraceptives correctly, you should not become pregnant.

Can You Get Pregnant During the 7-Day Break from Birth Control Pills?

If you have been taking the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication consistently for two months and just finished your medication on August 8th, there is a risk of pregnancy if you have unprotected intercourse during the 7 days after stopping the medication. It is important to...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
I have been taking the premedication for two months, and I have to take it on time every day. I just finished my medication on August 8th. During these 7 days of stopping the medication, is it possible to get pregnant from unprotected intercourse? Answer: No, you will not get pre...