Guidelines for Resuming Birth Control Pills After a Break

Discontinuation of contraceptive pills?

Hello! I previously took oral contraceptives for a year and three months, and I heard that it's better to stop for a month after a year of use.
Currently, I am on the fifth day of my menstrual period (March 25) and have not continued taking the pills.
If I want to resume taking oral contraceptives, should I wait until my next period to start, or can I continue with the next pack according to my previous schedule (April 22)? I was taking "Yaz," and I hope to switch to a lower-dose option this time.
Are there brands available that have a lower dosage than Yaz? Additionally, I would like to ask the doctor, if I had unprotected intercourse in the past few days but did not ejaculate inside, what is the risk of pregnancy?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/05

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

For pregnancy concerns, please perform a home pregnancy test or consult a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology for evaluation four weeks after sexual intercourse.

Reply Date: 2020/04/05

More Info

When it comes to resuming birth control pills after a break, there are several important guidelines and considerations to keep in mind. First, it’s essential to understand that birth control pills are designed to be taken consistently to maintain their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. If you have taken a break from the pill, you may need to follow specific steps to ensure that you are protected against unintended pregnancy.

1. Timing of Resuming Pills: If you have stopped taking your birth control pills and are considering resuming them, the general recommendation is to start taking them again at the beginning of your next menstrual cycle. In your case, since you stopped taking the pills on the fifth day of your period (March 25), you would typically wait until your next period arrives to start a new pack. This helps ensure that your body is back in sync with the hormonal levels provided by the pills.

2. Starting Mid-Cycle: If you wish to resume taking the pills before your next period, you can do so, but you should use a backup method of contraception (like condoms) for the first seven days of taking the pills. This is because it takes about seven days for the hormones in the pill to reach effective levels in your body. If you have had unprotected sex during this time, there is a risk of pregnancy, even if there was no ejaculation.

3. Switching Brands: If you are considering switching to a lower-dose birth control pill, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider. They can recommend alternatives that may have a lower dosage than your previous pill (Yaz, in your case). There are many options available, and your doctor can help you find one that suits your needs while minimizing potential side effects.

4. Pregnancy Risk: Regarding your concern about the risk of pregnancy after having unprotected sex, even if there was no ejaculation, there is still a possibility of pregnancy. Pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, and if you are not on birth control, there is a risk of pregnancy. If you are worried about this, you might consider taking a home pregnancy test if your period is late or consult your healthcare provider for further advice.

5. Consulting a Healthcare Provider: It’s always a good idea to discuss any changes in your birth control regimen with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your health history and any specific concerns you may have.

In summary, if you want to resume taking birth control pills after a break, starting with your next menstrual cycle is generally the safest approach. If you choose to start mid-cycle, ensure you use backup contraception for the first week. Switching to a lower-dose pill is possible, but consulting with your healthcare provider is crucial. Lastly, be aware of the risks of unprotected sex and take appropriate precautions to prevent unintended pregnancy.

Similar Q&A

Understanding When to Restart Birth Control Pills After a Break

You should start taking the next pack of pills on the fifth day of your period, not on the seventh day after stopping the medication.

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
You should continue taking the next pack of medication tomorrow.

Restarting Birth Control Pills: When to Resume After a Break?

Hello doctor, I finished a year of taking oral contraceptives in April this year. I learned that after taking them for a year, I should take a break for a while, so I have been off them for a little over a month now. However, after researching online, it seems that if I am not pr...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, you can first visit the obstetrics and gynecology department for an examination. If everything is normal, you can take menstrual induction medication and start taking birth control pills on the fifth day of your period. Wishing you good health.

Guidelines for Resuming Medication After a Break: Women's Health Insights

Hello Doctor: I forgot to bring my medication when I traveled north on December 31, and I returned home on January 3. Since it has been more than 48 hours, I chose to stop taking the medication (I was in the third and fourth week). I experienced bleeding on January 4. Currently, ...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, if you miss taking an effective contraceptive pill for more than 12 hours, in addition to taking the missed pill, it is best to use an additional barrier method of contraception for seven days. If you miss taking the pill for more than 24 hours, stop taking the current con...

How to Restart Birth Control After Missing Doses: A Guide

Doctor Lin, I stopped taking the contraceptive pill for a week in May, which caused my period to come twice. How should I restart taking the medication?

Dr. Lin Wenbin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
First, go to the outpatient clinic for an examination to ensure there are no abnormalities, and then follow the physician's instructions to restart the medication.