Do You Still Need to Track Fertility After Starting Birth Control Pills?

I would like to ask about emergency contraception?

If you are considering taking oral contraceptive pills to prevent pregnancy, it's important to understand how they work.
Once you have been taking the pills consistently and correctly for a few months, the risk of pregnancy is significantly reduced.
However, it is still advisable to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
Generally, after taking the pills for at least seven consecutive days, you should be protected from pregnancy.
After a few months of consistent use, the effectiveness remains high, and the concept of "safe" or "danger" days becomes less relevant, as the pills provide continuous contraception.
Nonetheless, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to ensure you are using the method correctly.

Ann, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/15

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, taking birth control pills on time is safe.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/02/15

More Info

When considering the use of birth control pills, it's essential to understand how they work and their implications for tracking fertility. Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptives, are designed to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant. When taken consistently and correctly, they are highly effective in preventing pregnancy.

Once you start taking birth control pills, especially combination pills that contain both estrogen and progestin, you generally do not need to track your fertility in terms of calculating safe or dangerous periods. The pills work by maintaining hormone levels that prevent ovulation, which means that you are protected from pregnancy as long as you take the pills as directed.
Typically, it takes about seven days of consistent use for the pills to become effective if you start taking them at a time other than the first day of your period. If you start taking the pills on the first day of your period, you are protected immediately. After a few months of consistent use, your body adjusts to the hormones, and the risk of pregnancy remains low as long as you continue taking the pills daily.

However, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:
1. Missed Pills: If you miss a pill or take it late, the effectiveness can decrease, and you may need to use backup contraception (like condoms) for a short period, depending on how many pills you missed and when in your cycle you missed them.

2. Other Medications: Certain medications, including some antibiotics and anticonvulsants, can interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Always inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking.

3. Health Conditions: If you have specific health conditions or risk factors (such as a history of blood clots), your healthcare provider may recommend alternative forms of contraception or additional precautions.

4. Regular Check-ups: It’s still important to have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider while on birth control pills. They can monitor your health, discuss any side effects, and ensure that the method remains suitable for you.

5. Personal Preference: Some individuals may still prefer to track their fertility for personal reasons, such as understanding their menstrual cycle better or planning for future pregnancies. This is entirely up to you and your comfort level.

In conclusion, once you are on birth control pills and have taken them consistently for the recommended period, you do not need to track your fertility in terms of safe and dangerous periods. The pills provide a reliable means of contraception, and as long as you adhere to the regimen, you can feel confident in their effectiveness. However, maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider about your contraceptive method and any concerns you may have is always a good practice.

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

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