Is It Effective to Start Birth Control Pills During Irregular Periods?

Q: Is It Effective to Start Birth Control Pills During Irregular Periods?

Ms. Liu： Hello, in response to your question, here are the answers： 1. If November 5th is the third day of your menstrual period, continue taking the oral contraceptive regardless of the flow. 2. The likelihood of pregnancy is very low. 3. The contraceptiv

Is taking emergency contraception effective?

Hello, doctor.
On November 3rd, I had brown discharge, and after researching online, it seems that it might be leftover menstrual blood from last month.
I read that brown discharge can be considered the first day of my period, so I started taking the emergency contraceptive pill, "Yueji," for the first time on November 3rd.
However, starting from November 5th, my period did not come, and there was no more brown discharge.
Can I continue taking the emergency contraceptive pill? My menstrual cycle has always been irregular; sometimes I have two periods in a month, and sometimes I have one every two months.
Since my period in September, I have not had a period in October or November.
I have confirmed that I am not pregnant.
If I continue taking the emergency contraceptive pill, will it be effective if I have sexual intercourse on November 11th? Here are my questions: 1.
Does this count as the first day of my period for starting the emergency contraceptive pill? 2.
Can I continue taking the emergency contraceptive pill? 3.
If I continue taking it, will it be effective for contraception if I have sexual intercourse on November 11th? Thank you for your help, doctor.

Liu Xiaojie, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/11/06

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Ms.
Liu: Hello, in response to your question, here are the answers: 1.
If November 5th is the third day of your menstrual period, continue taking the oral contraceptive regardless of the flow.
2.
The likelihood of pregnancy is very low.
3.
The contraceptive can be taken during the first to fifth days of your menstrual period.
The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2022/11/06

More Info

Starting birth control pills during irregular periods can be a bit complex, but it is generally considered safe and effective. Let's break down your questions and concerns regarding the use of birth control pills in the context of your irregular menstrual cycle.

1. Is the brown discharge considered the first day of your period?
Brown discharge can often be old blood that is being expelled from the body, and it can sometimes be considered the start of your menstrual cycle. However, the definition of the first day of your period typically refers to the first day of full red flow. Since you mentioned that you had brown discharge on November 3rd, it may be reasonable to consider that as the start of your cycle, especially if it was accompanied by any cramping or other menstrual symptoms. However, since your periods are irregular, it can be challenging to establish a consistent pattern.

2. Can you continue taking the birth control pills?
Yes, you can continue taking the birth control pills. Since you have confirmed that you are not pregnant and have started the pills, it is advisable to continue taking them as prescribed. Birth control pills work by regulating hormones and can help to stabilize your menstrual cycle over time. Even if your periods are irregular, the hormones in the pills can help to create a more predictable cycle.

3. Will you have contraceptive protection if you have sex on November 11th?
If you started taking the birth control pills on November 3rd, you may not have immediate contraceptive protection. Most birth control pills take about 7 days to become effective, especially if you are starting them for the first time. Therefore, if you have unprotected sex on November 11th, it is advisable to use a backup method of contraception (like condoms) until you have been on the pills for at least 7 days. After that period, the pills should provide effective contraception.

Additional Considerations:
- Irregular Periods and Birth Control: Birth control pills can be particularly beneficial for individuals with irregular periods. They can help regulate the menstrual cycle, reduce the severity of menstrual symptoms, and provide reliable contraception. If your periods remain irregular even after several months on the pill, it may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider to explore other underlying causes or alternative contraceptive methods.

- Monitoring Your Cycle: Keep track of your menstrual cycle and any symptoms you experience while on the pill. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider to assess how well the birth control is working for you and to make any necessary adjustments.

- Consulting a Healthcare Provider: Since you have a history of irregular periods, it might be beneficial to have a discussion with your healthcare provider about your menstrual health. They can provide personalized advice and may suggest additional tests or treatments if necessary.

In conclusion, starting birth control pills during irregular periods is generally safe, and you can continue taking them as prescribed. Just be mindful of the timing regarding contraceptive effectiveness, and consider consulting with your healthcare provider for tailored advice based on your specific situation.

Similar Q&A

Can Birth Control Pills Work with Irregular Menstrual Cycles?

If you have an irregular menstrual cycle and your period comes only once every 1 to 2 months, it's important to understand how to use emergency contraception effectively. Typically, emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) are taken after unprotected intercourse, and they are mo...

Dr. Chen Zhiyu reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it is recommended to visit the obstetrics and gynecology outpatient clinic for consultation and evaluation. Thank you.

Understanding Birth Control Pills and Irregular Periods: What You Need to Know

In the case of irregular menstruation and having not had a period for six months, if you start taking oral contraceptive pills, you should use additional contraceptive methods for the first seven days after starting the pills before engaging in unprotected intercourse. It is advi...

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Emergency contraceptive pills are effective only when taken regularly starting a few days before menstruation, rather than just for 7 days. If the menstrual cycle is irregular, it may require even more time to achieve contraceptive effectiveness.

Impact of Irregular Birth Control Pill Use on Menstrual Cycle and Effectiveness

I was previously unaware that the birth control pill needs to be taken at the same time every day. However, I have been taking it daily starting from the first day of my period on April 3rd (21 pills). My period stopped on April 6th, but I experienced bleeding again on April 9th....

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, sometimes birth control pills can cause changes in menstruation, which is considered normal. You should observe next month to see if there is any abnormal bleeding. Start taking the birth control pills on the fifth day of your period; it doesn't have to be at the exac...

When Does Birth Control Pill Start Working Effectively?

I have irregular menstrual cycles and I am taking birth control pills for both regulating my cycle and contraception. I would like to know when the contraceptive effect begins. I've heard some people say it starts after seven days, others say it requires taking a full month&...

Dr. Tian Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Typically, the effects are better after the second cycle.