Pregnancy Chances After Stopping Birth Control: Key Insights

What is the probability of pregnancy?

Hello Doctor, I previously took birth control pills for two years and plan to stop for a month.
The month before stopping, I experienced bleeding from around midnight on October 19 to October 20 for about five days, and then I stopped taking the pills.
After that, my husband and I had unprotected intercourse with ejaculation outside, without avoiding the fertile window.
My husband does not seem to have much pre-ejaculate fluid.
Between November 2 and November 4, I noticed some egg white cervical mucus but I'm not sure which day it was.
During this time, I started experiencing nipple pain (which I had before taking the birth control pills).
I believe that the presence of egg white cervical mucus along with nipple pain indicates ovulation.
Is this a correct assumption? How long after noticing egg white cervical mucus can I expect ovulation to occur?
During this period, we had frequent unprotected intercourse without avoiding the fertile window.
Around November 12, the nipple pain stopped, but I began to feel lower back soreness and a sense of heaviness in my lower abdomen without cramping, and I have not had much discharge (dryness).
My breasts feel slightly swollen, and there is some pain when pressed, but otherwise, I don't feel much.
My appetite is poor, but I can still eat.
This situation has persisted until now, and my period has not arrived.
If I want to conceive, is it possible that I could be pregnant given these circumstances this month? What is the likelihood of pregnancy, approximately?
P.S.
In the past couple of months, we also had unprotected intercourse without avoiding the fertile window, but I did not become pregnant.
Could it be that I have difficulty conceiving? Thank you, Doctor, for taking the time to respond.

Cai Xuan Yi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/11/17

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I had been taking birth control pills for two years and plan to stop for a month.
The month before stopping, I experienced breakthrough bleeding from midnight on October 19 to October 20 for about five days, after which I stopped taking the pills.
My husband and I had unprotected intercourse with ejaculation outside, without avoiding the fertile window.
My husband does not seem to have much pre-ejaculate fluid.
Between November 2 and November 4, I noticed that I had some egg white cervical mucus, but I'm not sure which day it was.
Around this time, I started experiencing nipple pain (which I used to have before taking birth control).
I believe that the presence of egg white cervical mucus and nipple pain indicates ovulation.
Is this a valid assumption?
Answer: Yes, the presence of egg white cervical mucus and nipple pain can indicate that you are close to ovulation.
However, it is not certain how long after observing egg white cervical mucus ovulation will occur.

During this period, we had frequent unprotected intercourse without avoiding the fertile window.
Around November 12, the nipple pain stopped, and I began to feel lower back discomfort and a sense of heaviness in my lower abdomen without cramping.
There wasn't much cervical mucus (it felt dry), and I experienced slight breast tenderness, but otherwise, I had no significant symptoms.
My appetite has been poor, but I can still eat.
Currently, I am still experiencing these symptoms, and my period has not yet arrived.
If I want to get pregnant, is it possible that I could be pregnant given the current situation this month?
Answer: Since your period has not arrived, it is possible that you could be pregnant.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy?
Answer: It's difficult to quantify the percentage chance of pregnancy.
In the past couple of months, we also had unprotected intercourse without avoiding the fertile window, but I did not become pregnant.
Could it be that I have difficulty conceiving?
Answer: After taking birth control pills for two years, it is possible that it may take some time to conceive.

Reply Date: 2019/11/17

More Info

When considering the chances of pregnancy after stopping birth control, there are several factors to take into account. First, it's important to understand how hormonal contraceptives work. Birth control pills typically prevent ovulation, and it may take some time for your body to resume its natural hormonal cycle after discontinuation.
In your case, you stopped taking the pill after experiencing a withdrawal bleed, which is a common occurrence when stopping hormonal contraceptives. The timing of ovulation can vary widely among individuals, especially after stopping birth control. Generally, ovulation occurs about 12 to 16 days before the start of your next period. If you stopped the pill and had a withdrawal bleed, your body may take some time to regulate its cycle, and ovulation may not occur immediately.

The symptoms you described, such as breast tenderness and changes in discharge, can be indicative of ovulation. The presence of egg white cervical mucus (often referred to as "egg white discharge") is a sign of peak fertility, as it indicates that your body is preparing for ovulation. If you experienced this type of discharge around the time you had unprotected intercourse, it is possible that you were in your fertile window.

Regarding your question about the likelihood of pregnancy, it is difficult to provide an exact percentage without more specific information about your cycle and ovulation timing. However, if you had unprotected intercourse during your fertile window, the chances of conception are generally higher. Studies suggest that the average chance of becoming pregnant during a single menstrual cycle for couples trying to conceive is about 15-25%, depending on various factors such as age, health, and timing of intercourse relative to ovulation.

It's also worth noting that if you have previously had unprotected intercourse without conceiving, it may indicate potential fertility issues, either on your part or your partner's. Factors such as age, hormonal balance, and overall reproductive health can influence fertility. If you continue to experience difficulty conceiving after several months of trying, it may be beneficial to consult a healthcare provider for a fertility evaluation.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy given your recent activities, the exact likelihood can vary. If your period does not arrive as expected, consider taking a home pregnancy test for confirmation. If you have concerns about your fertility or experience irregular cycles, it may be helpful to seek advice from a healthcare professional who can provide personalized guidance based on your health history and reproductive goals.

Similar Q&A

Can You Get Pregnant After Stopping Birth Control Pills?

If you have been using oral contraceptives for over four years and have stopped taking them this month, there is a possibility of pregnancy if you had unprotected intercourse before putting on a condom. The effectiveness of the birth control pill diminishes quickly after disconti...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, you should not be pregnant. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Ovulation Recovery and Pregnancy Risks After Birth Control

1. After stopping the second pack of oral contraceptive pills, it typically takes about 1 to 3 months for ovulation to resume, but this can vary from person to person. 2. If sexual intercourse occurred the day after the menstrual period ended, using a condom throughout and withd...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the timing of ovulation after stopping medication can vary. If sexual intercourse occurs after the end of menstruation, the chances of pregnancy are low. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Pregnancy Chances After Stopping Birth Control Pills

Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask a question. I have been consistently taking birth control pills for 6 months. A few days ago, I just finished a 21-day cycle. I had unprotected intercourse on the third day of the pill-free interval. Is there a chance of getting pregnant? Do bir...

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
1. Theoretically, pregnancy should not occur. 2. It can indeed reduce the amount of menstrual flow.

Understanding Pregnancy Chances After Stopping Birth Control Pills

I would like to ask the doctor that I have been taking oral contraceptives for over three years and I want to stop taking them for a while. My period ended on October 20, and I stopped the medication for a week. However, during the fertile window, on October 24, I had unprotected...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the likelihood of pregnancy should be low. If you are still concerned, it is recommended to take emergency contraception just in case. Wishing you good health.