Concerns About Pregnancy After Girlfriend Missed Birth Control Pill

Considerations for Girlfriend's Use of Emergency Contraceptive Pills

Hello doctor: My girlfriend usually has a regular menstrual cycle.
She has been taking "Wen Bu Nin T/28 coated tablets," a contraceptive pill, for three months.
Her last menstrual period started on May 29, and she began taking the contraceptive pill on June 1.
I ejaculated inside her during the last seven days of her previous pack, and yesterday she forgot to take her pill.
Today, I ejaculated inside her again.
She mentioned that her breasts feel a bit swollen.
Could this be a sign of pregnancy?

Bro, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/15

Dr. Chen Zhiyu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Regarding your concerns, please note that breast fullness alone cannot determine whether pregnancy has occurred.
It is recommended to take a home pregnancy test if your expected menstrual period does not arrive.
Thank you for your inquiry, and I wish you health and happiness.

Reply Date: 2021/06/15

More Info

When it comes to concerns about potential pregnancy after a missed birth control pill, there are several factors to consider. Your girlfriend has been taking the "温不妊T/28膜衣錠" birth control pill consistently for three months, which is a good sign in terms of maintaining contraceptive effectiveness. However, missing a pill can increase the risk of unintended pregnancy, especially if it occurs during the last week of the pill pack when hormone levels are lower.

The menstrual cycle is regulated by hormones, and birth control pills work by maintaining stable hormone levels to prevent ovulation. If your girlfriend missed a pill, particularly during the last week of her pack, it could lead to a situation where ovulation occurs. If you had unprotected intercourse during this time, there is a possibility of pregnancy. The symptoms she is experiencing, such as breast tenderness, can be an early sign of pregnancy, but they can also be attributed to hormonal fluctuations related to the missed pill or the menstrual cycle itself.

In general, the effectiveness of birth control pills is around 91% with typical use, which means that about 9 out of 100 women may become pregnant each year while using them. If a pill is missed, the risk of pregnancy increases, especially if unprotected intercourse occurs shortly after the missed dose. It is essential for your girlfriend to follow the instructions provided with her birth control pill regarding missed doses. Typically, if a pill is missed, she should take it as soon as she remembers and continue taking the remaining pills as scheduled. If she misses more than one pill, she may need to use backup contraception, such as condoms, for the next seven days.

Given that your girlfriend is experiencing symptoms that could indicate pregnancy, it would be advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test if her period is late or if she continues to have symptoms. Home pregnancy tests are most accurate when taken after a missed period, as they detect the hormone hCG, which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus.

If the test is positive, it would be important for her to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider to discuss her options and receive appropriate prenatal care. If the test is negative but she still has concerns, she should consult with her healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy due to the missed pill and subsequent unprotected intercourse, the only way to confirm pregnancy is through a test. Encourage your girlfriend to take a pregnancy test if her period is late and to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and care.

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