Pregnancy Chances After Intercourse One Day Before Menstruation

The probability of pregnancy from sexual intercourse one day before menstruation?

Hello, Doctor.
I started taking two packs of 24+4 contraceptive pills continuously from July 8.
On August 31, which was the second-to-last white inactive pill of the second pack, I had sexual intercourse while also using a condom.
That evening, I experienced normal menstrual bleeding.
Since I will be traveling abroad, I stopped taking the pills after taking the last inactive pill on September 1.
I would like to ask if there is still a chance of pregnancy in this situation, and whether stopping the medication will affect the contraceptive effectiveness of the inactive pill taken the day before my period.
Lastly, how long does it typically take for ovulation to resume after stopping the pills? Thank you very much for your response.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/09/05

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, oral contraceptives (COCs) must be taken at the same time every day.
When taken correctly, they can achieve a 99% effectiveness in preventing pregnancy, and the situations mentioned have minimal impact.
After discontinuing the medication, it is necessary to allow the ovaries some time to recover from suppression and gradually return to normal ovulation, which varies in duration for each woman.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2022/09/05

More Info

When considering the chances of pregnancy after intercourse one day before menstruation, it's essential to understand the menstrual cycle and the role of hormonal contraceptives. Based on your description, you have been taking a combination oral contraceptive pill (the 24+4 regimen) and had intercourse on August 31, which was the day before your expected menstrual period.

1. Understanding the Menstrual Cycle: The menstrual cycle typically lasts between 21 to 35 days, with ovulation occurring approximately 14 days before the start of your next period. If your cycle is regular, the likelihood of ovulation occurring just before your period is low. Since you had intercourse on August 31 and experienced normal menstrual bleeding that same evening, it is highly unlikely that you conceived from that encounter. The presence of menstrual bleeding usually indicates that the uterine lining is shedding, which occurs when there is no fertilization of an egg.

2. Effectiveness of Oral Contraceptives: The contraceptive pills you were taking are designed to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining. When taken correctly, they are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. Since you were on the pill and had a normal menstrual period shortly after intercourse, the chances of pregnancy are extremely low. The use of a condom during intercourse further reduces the risk of pregnancy, providing an additional layer of protection.

3. Impact of Stopping the Pill: Stopping the pill can lead to a return of ovulation, but the timing can vary from person to person. Some women may ovulate within a few weeks after stopping the pill, while others may take a few months to return to their natural cycle. In your case, since you stopped taking the pill after the last inactive pill, your body may take some time to adjust, but the likelihood of immediate ovulation is low, especially since you had a normal menstrual period shortly after.

4. Pregnancy Chances After Stopping the Pill: If you were to have unprotected intercourse after stopping the pill, your chances of pregnancy would depend on when you ovulate. If you have regular cycles, you can estimate ovulation based on your cycle length. However, since you experienced a normal period after your last pill, it is unlikely that you would conceive from intercourse that occurred just before your period.

5. Recommendations: If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy or have irregular cycles after stopping the pill, consider taking a home pregnancy test if your next period is late. If you have further questions about your menstrual cycle or contraceptive options, consulting with a healthcare provider can provide personalized advice.

In summary, given your situation—consistent use of oral contraceptives, the use of a condom, and the onset of a normal menstrual period—the chances of pregnancy from the intercourse on August 31 are extremely low. Stopping the pill will not affect the effectiveness of the contraception used just before your period, and your body will gradually return to its natural cycle, which may take some time.

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