Am I Pregnant? Contraceptive Pills and Symptoms

Are you pregnant?

This month marks the third pack of my oral contraceptives.
I started taking the first pill on May 4th, but I forgot to take it on May 9th and also forgot to take a make-up dose afterward.
After my period ended, I continued to have sexual intercourse, and it was all unprotected with ejaculation inside.
I took my pills as usual on May 5th, but on May 11th and 12th, I didn't have my pills with me because I was staying outside temporarily.
Since I couldn't buy the contraceptive in the foreign country, I didn't take any pills during those two days.
On May 15th, I noticed some brown discharge, but it was not much.
Given that I had unprotected intercourse during this time, I am concerned about the possibility of pregnancy.
Is it still effective to take the pills now? Currently, I am experiencing chest tightness and brown discharge, and I am very worried about being pregnant.

Nana, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/05/15

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

This month marks the third pack of my oral contraceptives.
I started taking the first pill on May 4th, but I forgot to take it on May 9th and also forgot to make up for it afterward.
After my period ended, I engaged in sexual intercourse consistently, and it was all unprotected ejaculation.
I continued taking the pills as usual on May 5th, but on May 11th and 12th, I didn't have my pills with me since I was temporarily staying outside.
I couldn't buy the contraceptive in the foreign country, so I missed taking it for those two days.
On May 15th, I noticed some brown discharge, but it wasn't much.
Given that I had unprotected intercourse during this time, is it still possible to take the pills now? Answer: Yes, it is still possible to take them; do your best and leave the rest to fate.
PS: I am currently experiencing chest tightness along with the brown discharge, and I'm very worried that I might be pregnant.

Reply Date: 2019/05/15

More Info

When it comes to understanding whether you might be pregnant, especially after a series of missed contraceptive pills and unprotected intercourse, there are several factors to consider. The use of oral contraceptives is designed to prevent ovulation, and missing doses can significantly reduce their effectiveness. In your case, missing pills on May 9 and subsequently not taking them on May 11 and 12 raises concerns about the potential for ovulation and, consequently, the risk of pregnancy.

The appearance of brown discharge can be a sign of several things. It could be related to hormonal fluctuations due to missed pills, or it could indicate implantation bleeding if pregnancy has occurred. Implantation bleeding typically occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the lining of the uterus, which can happen about 6 to 12 days after conception. However, brown discharge can also be a sign of other conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or the onset of your menstrual cycle.

Given that you have been engaging in unprotected intercourse during this time, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test if your period is late or if you continue to experience unusual symptoms. Home pregnancy tests are generally reliable and can detect pregnancy hormones in your urine as early as the first day of your missed period. If you test positive, it is essential to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and to discuss your options.

Regarding the missed doses of your contraceptive pills, if you realize you have missed a pill, the general recommendation is to take it as soon as you remember. If you miss more than one pill, the instructions can vary depending on the type of pill you are using (combination or progestin-only). In some cases, you may need to use backup contraception, such as condoms, for a short period after missing pills to ensure you are protected against pregnancy.

If you are experiencing chest discomfort, it is crucial to take this symptom seriously. While it may be related to anxiety about the possibility of being pregnant, it could also indicate other health issues that require attention. If the chest discomfort persists or worsens, seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, the combination of missed contraceptive pills, unprotected intercourse, and the presence of brown discharge and chest discomfort warrants a careful approach. Taking a home pregnancy test is a logical next step, and consulting with a healthcare provider will provide you with the necessary guidance and support based on your individual circumstances. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your reproductive health.

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