Do I Need Emergency Contraception After Starting Birth Control?

Contraceptive pill issues

Hello doctor, I would like to ask, I started taking the first pill of the oral contraceptive on the fifth day of my period, which was January 22, and today is January 24.
I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend, and he ejaculated inside me.
Do I need to take emergency contraception, or can I just continue taking the oral contraceptive? Thank you.
My records indicate that my ovulation period is on the 29th.

Jane, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/01/24

Dr. Wu Xianghui reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
For pregnancy concerns, please perform a home pregnancy test or visit a gynecologist for examination and evaluation four weeks after your most recent sexual intercourse.
2.
The menstrual cycle can be affected by various psychological and physiological factors.
If your period is more than two months late, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist for examination and evaluation.

Reply Date: 2022/01/24

More Info

When it comes to the use of emergency contraception after starting a birth control regimen, it's important to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and the timing of your sexual activity in relation to your menstrual cycle.
In your case, you began taking your birth control pills on the fifth day of your menstrual cycle, which is generally considered a safe time to start taking the pill. Most birth control pills require about seven days of consistent use to reach full effectiveness. Since you had unprotected intercourse on January 24, which is just two days after starting the pill, you may not yet be fully protected against pregnancy.
However, if you have been taking your birth control pills consistently and correctly since you started, you should be protected from pregnancy after the initial seven days. Since you mentioned that your ovulation is expected around January 29, it is crucial to consider that sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract for up to five days. Therefore, if you had intercourse on January 24, there is a possibility that sperm could still be viable when you ovulate.

Given this situation, if you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy due to the timing of your intercourse and the fact that you had only been on the pill for two days, it may be prudent to consider taking emergency contraception (EC). Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours, but some forms can be effective up to 5 days after.
If you decide to take emergency contraception, it will not interfere with your ongoing birth control pill regimen. You can continue taking your birth control pills as prescribed. It's also worth noting that emergency contraception is not intended to be used as a regular method of birth control and should only be used in emergencies.

In summary, if you are unsure about your protection level after only two days of taking the pill and have had unprotected intercourse, taking emergency contraception can provide an additional layer of protection. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your contraceptive methods and sexual health. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation and help you make informed decisions about your reproductive health.

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