Pregnancy Chances After Birth Control and Irregular Cycles

Probability of Pregnancy

Hello doctor, I had a child on May 1st last year and have been taking birth control pills until I stopped at the end of May.
My period came normally on May 30th and lasted five to six days, then again on June 11th for five to six days, and again on June 29th for five to six days.
However, my boyfriend and I had external ejaculation on July 11th.
What is the likelihood of pregnancy in this situation? Could irregular menstruation also affect ovulation?

16, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/17

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

For pregnancy concerns, please take a home pregnancy test or consult a gynecologist for evaluation four weeks after sexual intercourse.

Reply Date: 2020/07/17

More Info

Understanding the chances of pregnancy after stopping birth control, especially in the context of irregular menstrual cycles, can be quite complex. After giving birth, many women choose to use hormonal contraceptives to prevent subsequent pregnancies. However, once you stop taking these contraceptives, your body may take some time to readjust and return to its natural menstrual cycle.

In your case, you mentioned that you stopped taking birth control pills at the end of May and experienced regular menstrual cycles in June, with periods lasting five to six days. This suggests that your body may have started to regulate itself after discontinuing the contraceptive. However, it is important to note that even if your cycles appear regular, they can still be influenced by various factors, including hormonal fluctuations, stress, and overall health.

Regarding the possibility of pregnancy after engaging in unprotected intercourse (even with withdrawal method) on July 11, it is essential to understand that the withdrawal method is not a reliable form of contraception. Pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, and if ovulation occurs around the time of intercourse, there is a chance of pregnancy. Given that your cycles were somewhat regular, it is possible that you may have been approaching your ovulation period around that time, which typically occurs about 14 days before your next expected period.

Irregular cycles can indeed complicate the prediction of ovulation. If your cycles are typically around 28-30 days, ovulation would likely occur around day 14-16 of your cycle. However, if your cycles are longer or shorter, this timing can vary significantly. If you have irregular cycles, it may be more challenging to pinpoint ovulation, increasing the uncertainty regarding your chances of conceiving.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, the best course of action would be to wait until your next expected period and take a home pregnancy test if your period is late. Home pregnancy tests are generally accurate if taken after a missed period. If you have any doubts or experience unusual symptoms, consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy after stopping birth control and engaging in unprotected intercourse, the actual chances depend on various factors, including the timing of ovulation and the reliability of the withdrawal method. If you are looking to avoid pregnancy, consider discussing alternative contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider to find a suitable option that fits your lifestyle and health needs.

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