Contraceptive Pills: Risks of Pregnancy After Interruption

Emergency contraceptive pill

You have been taking birth control pills for five years, and your menstrual period typically starts within five days after stopping the pills.
You stop taking the pills for seven days after finishing one pack, and on the eighth day, you start a new pack.
Your last pill was taken on March 29, your period started on the evening of March 30, and you took your first pill of the new pack on April 6.
On April 10, which was the fifth day of taking the pills, you had unprotected intercourse.

In this situation, since you had already been taking the birth control pills consistently for five years and resumed taking them as directed, you are likely still protected against pregnancy.
However, it is important to note that it can take up to seven days for the pills to become fully effective if you are starting a new pack after a break.
Since you had unprotected intercourse on the fifth day of the new pack, you should be protected, but if you have any concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/04/19

Dr. Huang Zifei reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dear Anonymous,
Basically, you are following your medication regimen as usual, and the likelihood of pregnancy is low.
However, the effectiveness of birth control pills can be influenced by external factors, such as other medications taken and changes in body composition.
Since it has been more than five days since you finished your last pack of birth control pills and you have not gotten your period, please take a pregnancy test.
If you have any other concerns, it is advisable to consult with a gynecologist.
Dr.
Huang Zifei, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nantou Hospital

Reply Date: 2021/04/19

More Info

When considering the risks of pregnancy after stopping contraceptive pills, it is essential to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and the timing of ovulation in relation to your menstrual cycle.
Contraceptive pills, commonly referred to as birth control pills, are designed to prevent ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovaries. When taken consistently, these pills maintain stable hormone levels that inhibit the natural hormonal fluctuations that lead to ovulation. When you stop taking the pills, your body begins to return to its natural hormonal cycle, which can vary from person to person.

In your case, you mentioned that you stopped taking the pill on March 29 and that your period started on March 30. This indicates that your body was likely still under the influence of the hormones from the last pill you took, and the withdrawal bleed (your period) is a common response to stopping the pill. You resumed taking the pill on April 6, which is typically within the timeframe for the next cycle.

The key point to consider is the timing of ovulation. After stopping the pill, ovulation can occur relatively quickly, often within a few weeks, but this varies. If you had unprotected intercourse on April 10, which was the fifth day of taking the new pack of pills, it is important to note that the contraceptive effect of the pill may not be fully established until you have taken it consistently for at least seven days. Therefore, since you had only taken the pill for five days at the time of intercourse, there is a possibility that ovulation could have occurred before the pills had a chance to fully take effect, leading to a risk of pregnancy.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable to take a home pregnancy test if your period is late or if you experience any unusual symptoms. Additionally, if you are looking for immediate contraceptive protection after stopping the pill, consider using a backup method, such as condoms, for at least the first seven days of starting a new pack of pills.

In summary, while the risk of pregnancy exists when having unprotected intercourse shortly after stopping the pill and before the new pack has been taken for a full week, the likelihood of conception depends on whether ovulation occurred during that time. If you have further concerns or questions about your specific situation, consulting with a healthcare provider would be beneficial for personalized advice and guidance.

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