Is It Possible to Be Pregnant After Taking Birth Control Pills?

Is there a possibility of pregnancy if there is no menstruation after taking the oral contraceptive pill?

On the third day after my period started on September 6, I took the first pill of the Loette 24+4 contraceptive for the first time, and I did not miss any doses.
After 21 days of taking the pills, I had unprotected intercourse, but my period did not come after finishing the first pack.
After finishing the first pack, I started the second pack of Loette on October 4, and I am now on the third pill, but my period still hasn't arrived.
It has been 12 days since the last intercourse.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy? Is a pregnancy test accurate at this time?

No, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/10/07

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello,
Oral contraceptive pills (COCs) must be taken at the same time every day.
When taken correctly, they can achieve a contraceptive effectiveness of 99%.
For those using a 21-pill pack, if menstruation does not occur within 7 days after stopping the pills, continue with a new pack on the 8th day.
For those using a 28-pill pack, if menstruation does not occur during the last 7 days, proceed directly to the next pack.
If menstruation still does not occur, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist to check for hormonal imbalances or other reasons.

Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.

Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2019/10/07

More Info

It is understandable to be concerned about the possibility of pregnancy after starting birth control pills, especially when there are changes in your menstrual cycle. Let’s break down the situation based on your timeline and the information provided.

Firstly, when you start taking birth control pills, it is important to understand how they work. Birth control pills, like the one you mentioned (Loestrin 24 Fe), are designed to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining, making it less likely for a pregnancy to occur. However, it typically takes about 7 days of consistent use for the pills to become fully effective in preventing pregnancy if you start taking them at a time other than the first day of your period.

In your case, you began taking the pill on the third day of your menstrual cycle. If you took the pills consistently without missing any doses, you should have been protected from pregnancy after the initial 7-day period. However, since you mentioned having unprotected intercourse after 21 days of taking the pill, it is crucial to consider that while the risk of pregnancy is low, it is not entirely eliminated.

You also noted that your period did not arrive after finishing the first pack of pills. This can happen for several reasons. Some women experience lighter periods or even skip their periods altogether when taking hormonal contraceptives, especially during the first few months of use. This is often due to the hormonal changes induced by the pills. However, if you have been taking the pills correctly and consistently, the likelihood of pregnancy is reduced.

Now, regarding your question about the accuracy of a pregnancy test: if you have missed your period after completing the first pack and have had unprotected intercourse, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test. Most pregnancy tests are reliable as early as the first day of a missed period, but since you have been on the pill, it might be best to wait a few more days after your expected period for the most accurate result. If you test too early, you may receive a false negative result.

If you do take a pregnancy test and it is positive, or if you continue to have concerns about your menstrual cycle or potential pregnancy, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide further evaluation, including a blood test for pregnancy, which is more sensitive than a home test and can confirm pregnancy earlier.

In summary, while the chances of becoming pregnant while on birth control pills are low if taken correctly, it is not impossible, especially if there were any missed doses or if the pills were not taken consistently. If you have any doubts or experience unusual symptoms, seeking medical advice is always the best course of action.

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