Will taking half of the medication before switching to Lymecycline affect pregnancy?
This month, I have been experiencing dark brown discharge, so I went to see a gynecologist who said this is due to the use of hemostatic medication (Limeixin) and advised me to stop taking the oral contraceptive pill immediately.
My last menstrual period started on February 13 and I began a new pack of pills on February 15.
I visited the gynecologist on March 1 and stopped taking the pills; during this cycle, I only took 14 pills until February 28.
I had sexual intercourse with ejaculation on February 26, 27, and 28.
Following the gynecologist's instructions, I started taking Limeixin on March 1 and stopped the oral contraceptive (Aisilian).
Is there a possibility of becoming pregnant under these circumstances?
111, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/03/04
Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, taking contraceptive pills before the 28th provides contraceptive protection, but after that, it is no longer effective.
Wishing you good health.
Reply Date: 2021/03/04
More Info
Switching from birth control pills to a medication like Limicin (likely referring to a medication used for managing bleeding) can indeed raise questions about the risk of pregnancy, especially if there has been unprotected intercourse during the transition period.
To understand the implications of this switch, it’s essential to consider how birth control pills work. Birth control pills, particularly combined oral contraceptives, function primarily by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and thinning the uterine lining to prevent implantation. When you stop taking these pills, your body may take some time to resume its natural hormonal cycle, which can lead to ovulation occurring.
In your case, you mentioned that you stopped taking the birth control pills after only 14 days of the new pack and had unprotected intercourse on the 26th, 27th, and 28th of February. If you had not yet ovulated before stopping the pills, there is a possibility that ovulation could occur shortly after stopping, especially since the hormonal influence of the pills would be diminished. Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days, so if ovulation occurs shortly after your last intercourse, there is a potential for fertilization and subsequent pregnancy.
The brown discharge you experienced could be a withdrawal bleed from stopping the birth control pills or a side effect of the new medication. It’s important to note that any changes in your menstrual cycle or unusual discharge should be discussed with your healthcare provider, as they can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current situation.
Given that you have now started taking Limicin as directed by your doctor, it is crucial to follow up with your healthcare provider regarding your concerns about pregnancy. Limicin is not a contraceptive, and its primary purpose is to manage bleeding, so it does not provide protection against pregnancy. If you are concerned about the possibility of being pregnant, consider taking a home pregnancy test or consulting your doctor for further evaluation.
In summary, while there is a possibility of becoming pregnant after switching from birth control to Limicin, it largely depends on the timing of ovulation and the presence of sperm during that window. If you have any further concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical advice promptly. Your healthcare provider can offer guidance on the best course of action, including potential pregnancy testing or alternative contraceptive methods if you wish to avoid pregnancy.
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