One week after stopping the birth control pill, I have not taken any?
I would like to ask the doctor, I have been taking Qlaira for about six months.
I was supposed to start a new pack on July 30, but I did not continue taking it until August 8.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy if I had unprotected intercourse during the week from July 30 to August 8? Do I need to take emergency contraception? If I need to take emergency contraception, can I still take my regular birth control next month? Should I start taking it on the fifth day of my period? If I stop taking the pill for a month and then restart, will it also take seven days for the birth control to be effective again?
YAYA, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/08/08
Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
YAYA: Hello, in response to your questions, here are the answers: 1.
Yes.
2.
This is up to your personal decision.
3.
Yes, it can be taken on the 5th day of your menstrual cycle.
4.
Regular contraceptive pills are taken in a cycle, with daily adherence, achieving a contraceptive efficacy of 99.99%.
There is no validity to the notion that they are effective only after 7 days of use.
The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about your health.
Reply Date: 2021/08/08
More Info
When considering the risks of pregnancy after a brief interruption in the use of birth control pills, it is essential to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and the implications of stopping them. The birth control pill, like the one you mentioned (Qili'an 21), is designed to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining, thereby reducing the likelihood of pregnancy.
In your case, you stopped taking the pills from July 30 to August 8, which is a period of about one week. During this time, if you had unprotected intercourse, there is a possibility of becoming pregnant, especially if you were close to your ovulation period. Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before your next expected period, but this can vary based on individual cycles. If you have a regular cycle, stopping the pill can lead to a return of fertility relatively quickly, and ovulation may occur soon after discontinuation.
Regarding the need for emergency contraception (the "morning-after pill"), it is generally recommended if unprotected intercourse occurs during a time when there is a risk of ovulation. The effectiveness of emergency contraception is highest when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be effective up to 5 days after.
If you choose to take emergency contraception, it should not interfere with your ability to resume your regular birth control pills the following month. You can start taking your birth control pills again after your next period begins, and it is advisable to use additional contraception (like condoms) for the first seven days of taking the pill to ensure maximum effectiveness.
To summarize:
1. Risk of Pregnancy: Yes, there is a possibility of pregnancy if you had unprotected intercourse during the week you stopped taking the pill.
2. Need for Emergency Contraception: If you are concerned about the risk of pregnancy, consider taking emergency contraception as soon as possible.
3. Resuming Birth Control: You can resume taking your birth control pills after your next period. If you start taking them again, use backup contraception for the first seven days.
4. Timing of Resuming Pills: It is best to start the pills on the first day of your period or as directed by your healthcare provider.
Understanding these aspects can help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health. If you have further concerns or specific health conditions, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
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