Side Effects of Birth Control Pills and Pregnancy Risks

Side effects of emergency contraceptive pills?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question.
I have been taking the Alesse 21-day birth control pill for six months, but after finishing the pack in February, my period did not start until the sixth day after finishing the pills.
I began taking the birth control pills again on the same day my period started.
Since March 6, I have experienced abdominal pain, breast tenderness, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting.
Could these symptoms be side effects of the birth control pills? Later, when I had two pills left (on March 10), I started noticing brown discharge.
On March 13, after finishing the pills, I began to bleed.
Does this count as my period? Additionally, I had unprotected intercourse on March 11, 12, and 13, with ejaculation inside.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy?

J, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/13

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it could be related to taking birth control pills.
If you have been taking them normally before, just monitor the situation.
Typically, regular birth control pills start from the fifth day of your menstrual cycle.
If you are taking emergency contraception, it will provide contraceptive effects.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/03/13

More Info

When considering the side effects of birth control pills and the associated risks of pregnancy, it's essential to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and their potential impacts on the body. The birth control pill you mentioned, Alesse (or similar combination pills), contains hormones that prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining, making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant.

From your description, it seems you experienced some common side effects of birth control pills, such as abdominal pain, breast tenderness, nausea, and dizziness. These symptoms can occur, especially when starting a new pack or if there are fluctuations in hormone levels. The appearance of brown discharge could indicate old blood being expelled from the body, which is not uncommon when taking hormonal contraceptives. This can happen due to hormonal fluctuations or changes in the uterine lining.

Regarding your concern about the timing of your menstrual cycle and the possibility of pregnancy, it’s important to note that while birth control pills are highly effective when taken correctly, no contraceptive method is 100% foolproof. If you had unprotected intercourse during the days leading up to your period and while taking the pill, there is a slight chance of pregnancy, especially if you missed any doses or started the new pack late.

If you started taking the pill on the same day your period began, it is generally considered safe, and you should be protected from pregnancy. However, if you had unprotected intercourse before the pill was fully effective (typically, it takes about 7 days for the pill to provide full contraceptive protection if you start it after your period), there is a risk of pregnancy.

To clarify your situation, if you experienced bleeding on March 13 after taking the last pill, this could be your withdrawal bleed, which is a normal response to the hormone drop after completing a pack of birth control pills. If you are concerned about the possibility of being pregnant, consider taking a home pregnancy test about a week after your missed period for accurate results.

In summary, while the symptoms you are experiencing could be side effects of the birth control pill, they can also be influenced by other factors, including stress or changes in your routine. If you continue to have concerns about your symptoms or the possibility of pregnancy, it would be wise to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice, conduct any necessary tests, and help you understand your options moving forward.

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