Can Stopping Emergency Contraceptive Pills Lead to Pregnancy?

Preoperative medication discontinuation?

Hello, doctor.
My girlfriend took her last birth control pill on the 27th, and we had unprotected intercourse on the 30th and 31st.
Her period started on January 1st and ended on January 5th.
She was supposed to start a new pack of birth control pills on January 3rd but decided to stop taking them.
On January 8th, she had a slight amount of bleeding.
Is there a chance she could be pregnant?

Czz, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/01/09

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, when menstruation occurs, pregnancy is not possible.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/01/09

More Info

When it comes to emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), it's essential to understand how they work and their implications for pregnancy. ECPs, such as those containing levonorgestrel or ulipristal acetate, are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 to 120 hours, depending on the specific type of pill.

In your case, your girlfriend took the last ECP on the 27th and had unprotected intercourse on the 30th and 31st. Since she had her period from January 1st to January 5th, this indicates that her menstrual cycle was likely functioning normally. The occurrence of bleeding on January 8th could be attributed to several factors, including hormonal fluctuations or the effects of the ECPs, which can sometimes cause irregular bleeding or spotting.

Now, regarding the question of whether stopping ECPs could lead to pregnancy: ECPs are not intended for regular use as a primary contraceptive method. They work primarily by delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or inhibiting implantation of a fertilized egg. If your girlfriend had taken the ECPs as directed and then had her period, it is unlikely that she would become pregnant from the unprotected intercourse that occurred after her last dose of ECPs.
However, if she stopped taking the ECPs and had unprotected intercourse during her fertile window (which can vary depending on her menstrual cycle), there is a possibility of pregnancy. The fertile window typically occurs around ovulation, which is usually about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period in a regular cycle. If her cycle is regular and she ovulated after stopping the ECPs, there could be a risk of pregnancy.

It is also important to note that ECPs can cause temporary changes in the menstrual cycle, including delayed or altered bleeding patterns. If your girlfriend experiences any unusual symptoms or if her next period is significantly late, it would be wise for her to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not she is pregnant.

In summary, while stopping ECPs does not directly lead to pregnancy, engaging in unprotected intercourse after stopping them can increase the risk of pregnancy, especially if it coincides with her fertile window. If there are any concerns about potential pregnancy or if she experiences any unusual symptoms, consulting with a healthcare provider is recommended for personalized advice and guidance.

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Hello, you should not be pregnant. Wishing you good health.

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