Pregnancy Risks After Stopping Birth Control Pills

Preoperative medication cessation

Hello, I have been taking the contraceptive pill "Yuezi" since June of last year, and I stopped taking it for a month after my period started on May 30.
I plan to start taking it again on June 27.
My period started on May 30, and from June 5 until now, I have had unprotected intercourse sometimes with ejaculation outside and sometimes with protected intercourse with ejaculation inside.
June 13 was my ovulation period; initially, there was oral sex followed by unprotected penetration for 3 to 5 minutes, and later on, there was protected intercourse with ejaculation inside.
Could you please tell me if there is a possibility of pregnancy in this situation?

Nìmíng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/06/13

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the chances of pregnancy should be low.
If you're still concerned, you might consider taking emergency contraception.
It's always best to use preventive measures throughout the entire process and not to rely on the calendar method.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2019/06/13

More Info

When considering the risks of pregnancy after stopping birth control pills, it's essential to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and the timeline of fertility restoration following their discontinuation. Birth control pills, such as the one you mentioned (悦姿), primarily function by regulating hormones to prevent ovulation. When you stop taking them, your body may take some time to readjust and resume its natural hormonal cycle, which can affect your fertility.

In your case, you stopped taking the pill on May 30, and your menstrual cycle resumed. You mentioned engaging in unprotected intercourse around your ovulation period, which typically occurs about 14 days before your next expected period. Since you had unprotected sex during your ovulation window (around June 13), there is indeed a possibility of pregnancy. Sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if you had intercourse close to ovulation, it could lead to fertilization.

It's also important to note that even if you had a mix of protected and unprotected sex, any unprotected intercourse during your fertile window increases the likelihood of pregnancy. The use of condoms can significantly reduce this risk, but if there were instances of unprotected sex, the chance of conception remains.

If you are concerned about the possibility of being pregnant, the best course of action is to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period, but some can detect pregnancy as early as a few days before your expected period. If the test is positive, or if you have any symptoms of pregnancy (such as a missed period, nausea, or breast tenderness), it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

In terms of health considerations, if you do become pregnant, it's essential to schedule a prenatal appointment as soon as possible. This will allow your healthcare provider to assess your health, discuss any medications you may have been taking, and ensure that you and your baby receive appropriate care throughout the pregnancy.

In summary, there is a possibility of pregnancy given your recent sexual activity during your ovulation period after stopping the birth control pill. If you have concerns or suspect you might be pregnant, taking a pregnancy test and consulting with a healthcare provider would be prudent steps to take.

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Hello, you should not be pregnant. Wishing you good health.

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