First Time Taking Birth Control Pills: Pregnancy Concerns Explained - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Share to:

First time taking oral contraceptives?


Hello, doctor.
I started taking the contraceptive pill "Yueji" for the first time.
My menstrual period was from June 18 to June 24, and I began taking the pill on the fifth day of my period, June 22.
I have been taking it continuously for seven days as of June 28.
If I had unprotected intercourse on June 28 but there was no ejaculation inside, I am concerned about the pre-ejaculate fluid and the possibility that sperm may have come into contact with the vaginal opening during wiping.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy?

Shen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/29

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Hello, taking birth control pills should prevent pregnancy.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/06/29

More Info


When it comes to taking birth control pills for the first time, it's important to understand how they work and what precautions you should take to prevent unintended pregnancy. Birth control pills, such as the one you mentioned, are designed to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining, making it less likely for a pregnancy to occur.

In your case, you started taking the pill on the fifth day of your menstrual cycle, which is generally considered a safe time to begin taking the pill if you are using it for contraception. However, it’s crucial to note that the effectiveness of the pill can depend on when you start taking it. If you start taking the pill during the first five days of your period, it is effective immediately. However, since you started on the fifth day, it is recommended to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for the first seven days of taking the pill.

Since you mentioned that you have taken the pill for seven consecutive days by June 28, you should be adequately protected against pregnancy from that point onward, assuming you have taken the pills consistently and correctly. However, you expressed concern about the possibility of pregnancy due to pre-ejaculate fluid (pre-cum) potentially coming into contact with your vaginal area. While pre-ejaculate can contain sperm, the likelihood of pregnancy occurring from this scenario is relatively low, especially if you have been taking your birth control pills as directed.

It's also important to remember that no contraceptive method is 100% effective. Birth control pills are about 91% effective with typical use, which means that there is still a small chance of pregnancy even when taken correctly. If you are particularly anxious about the possibility of pregnancy, consider taking a home pregnancy test if your period is late, or consult with your healthcare provider for further guidance.

In addition to taking the pill, it’s wise to maintain open communication with your partner about contraception and to consider using condoms to provide additional protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) as well as pregnancy.

If you have any further concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, such as missed periods or signs of pregnancy, it’s advisable to consult your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current situation.

In summary, if you have been taking your birth control pills consistently for seven days, the risk of pregnancy is low, even with the concerns you mentioned about pre-ejaculate. However, if you are still worried, using a backup method of contraception or consulting with a healthcare professional can provide peace of mind.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Birth Control Pills: Side Effects and Pregnancy Risks

Hello, doctor! This is my first time taking oral contraceptives. I took the first pill of the first pack at midnight on the second day of my period, and I have been taking them continuously for 11 days. I have noticed some light bleeding since my period ended, and I'm unsure...


Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: 1. Yes. 2. Generally, if medications are taken on time, the chances of pregnancy are very low.

[Read More] Understanding Birth Control Pills: Side Effects and Pregnancy Risks


First Time Taking Birth Control Pills: Key Guidelines for Safe Use

If a woman starts taking birth control pills on the fifth day of her menstrual cycle, she should take the pills for a full seven days before relying on them for contraceptive protection. After completing the first seven days of taking the pills consistently, she can have unprotec...


Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, if taken as directed, it will be effective for contraception. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] First Time Taking Birth Control Pills: Key Guidelines for Safe Use


Can Taking Birth Control Pills Lead to Pregnancy? Common Concerns Explained

Hello, doctor. This is my first month on the contraceptive pill, specifically 28 tablets of Loestrin, which I started taking on the first day of my menstrual period. I had unprotected intercourse starting on the eighth day and have done so several times since, but I have taken my...


Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
A physician must personally examine a patient before administering treatment, prescribing medication, or providing a diagnosis. Hello, the combined oral contraceptive (COC) must be taken at the same time every day, and proper usage can achieve a 99% effectiveness rate in preven...

[Read More] Can Taking Birth Control Pills Lead to Pregnancy? Common Concerns Explained


Understanding the Concerns of Starting Birth Control Pills

This month is my first time taking oral contraceptives. I previously asked my doctor whether I should go to a gynecologist or buy them directly from a pharmacy, and the doctor said I could just buy them from the pharmacy. I am taking YAZ (but I am not sure if this dosage is suita...


Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
This month is my first time taking oral contraceptive pills. I previously asked my doctor whether I should go to a gynecologist or buy them directly from a pharmacy, and the doctor said I could buy them from the pharmacy. I am taking Yejih 21 tablets (but I'm not sure if thi...

[Read More] Understanding the Concerns of Starting Birth Control Pills


Related FAQ

Birth Control Pills

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Emergency Contraceptive Pill

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Abortion Pill

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Menstrual Regulation Medication

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Drug Side Effects

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Safe Period

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Oral Contraceptives

(Pharmacology)

Conception

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Medication To Delay Menstruation

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Pregnancy Bleeding

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)