Missed Birth Control Pill: Am I Pregnant or Just PMS?

Three months before eating, the third month was missed but was compensated for later?

Hello doctor, as mentioned, I took the third pack of Alesse.
I missed a dose on July 5 but took it immediately.
I had unprotected intercourse with ejaculation on that day.
My last menstrual period was from June 16 to 20.
Today (July 8), I feel breast tenderness and abdominal discomfort.
Am I at risk of pregnancy, or are these signs that my period is about to start?

Feiery, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/08

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, if you forget to take your medication one day, it is best to take it as soon as possible within twelve hours.
You should continue to take the regular dose for that day (taking two pills).
If you miss a dose and do not experience expected withdrawal bleeding during the subsequent dosing period, you should consider the possibility of pregnancy.
Early pregnancy may not present specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be used to make a judgment.
If necessary, you can consult an obstetrician-gynecologist to arrange for relevant tests.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2022/07/08

More Info

When it comes to missed birth control pills and the potential for pregnancy, it's important to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and the implications of missing a dose. In your case, you mentioned that you missed a dose of your birth control pill (Alesse) on July 5 but took it as soon as you remembered. You also had unprotected intercourse on the same day.
The effectiveness of birth control pills can be compromised if a dose is missed, especially if it is missed during the first week of the pill pack. Since you had unprotected sex on the same day you missed the pill, there is a possibility of pregnancy, although taking the missed pill immediately reduces that risk. Generally, if you miss a pill and have unprotected sex, it is advisable to use emergency contraception if you are concerned about pregnancy.

The symptoms you are experiencing, such as breast tenderness and abdominal discomfort, can be indicative of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or early pregnancy. Breast tenderness is a common symptom of both PMS and early pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Similarly, abdominal discomfort can occur in both situations. However, these symptoms alone are not definitive indicators of pregnancy.

To determine if you are pregnant, the most reliable method is to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are designed to detect the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. It is recommended to wait until at least the first day of your missed period for the most accurate results, as testing too early may yield a false negative.

If your period is late or if you continue to experience symptoms that concern you, it would be wise to consult with your healthcare provider. They can offer further guidance, perform a blood test for pregnancy, and discuss your options moving forward.

In summary, while there is a possibility of pregnancy due to the missed pill and unprotected intercourse, the symptoms you are experiencing could also be related to PMS. Taking a pregnancy test after your expected period date will provide clarity. If you have further concerns about your birth control method or reproductive health, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Similar Q&A

Missed Period After Taking Birth Control Pills: What to Know

I have been taking the birth control pill as prescribed, and I take it every day on time. However, I have finished the pack and my period still hasn't arrived. Is this normal?

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
First, please take a pregnancy test. In rare cases, it is possible to become pregnant even while taking contraceptive pills, which can result in a missed period. If you confirm that you are not pregnant, it is indeed possible for some individuals to miss their period while on con...

Am I Pregnant? Understanding Risks After Missed Birth Control Pills

Hello, Doctor. I have been taking the medication for over four years continuously, using 52 packs, and I only stopped for one month in 2018. However, I am concerned that my menstrual cycle may advance month after month, making it difficult to track the dates, and sudden onset can...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the inquirer: In the early stages of pregnancy, there may not be specific symptoms, and subjective symptoms cannot be used to make a determination. It is recommended that you check for pregnancy or consult a physician to evaluate the symptoms mentioned. Thank you! Wishing ...

Understanding Abnormal Menstrual Changes After Birth Control Use

I have been taking birth control pills for over four years. My last menstrual period was normal, but this time I forgot to buy new pills, so I mixed two types of previously missed pills. I miscalculated the timing and stopped taking the pills a week before I was supposed to. Afte...

Dr. Mao Yikun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello: The biggest concern with birth control pills is forgetting to take them, which can lead to irregular bleeding and reduced contraceptive effectiveness. Therefore, I suggest you take a pregnancy test to check if you are pregnant. If the result is negative, you can continue t...

Missed Birth Control Pills: Delayed Period and Pregnancy Concerns

I started taking emergency contraceptive pills for the first time on December 28 when my period began. However, I forgot to take them after a few days, and three days later, on January 8, I experienced bleeding that resembled a normal period. I read online that this is normal, bu...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
What you need is not medical consultation but rather a refresher course in sexual education. For such questions, it is recommended to refer to the National Health Administration's "Sexual Well-being e-Learning" or the Obstetrics and Gynecology Society's "...