Can You Rely on Birth Control After a Week of Use?

If you take the emergency contraceptive pill for seven days and then stop for seven days, does it still have efficacy?

I visited a doctor due to irregular menstruation, and the doctor said I have excess estrogen.
I was prescribed Alesse, and after taking it for 7 days, my period started, so I stopped the medication (after 7 days).
Today, my period just ended, and I had sexual intercourse with withdrawal method.
I would like to know what the chances of pregnancy are in this situation and whether this is an effective form of contraception.

dolly, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/03/06

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it should be the safe period.
If you're not sure, you can take emergency contraception just in case.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2024/03/06

More Info

When it comes to relying on birth control pills after a week of use, it is essential to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and the timeline for their effectiveness. Birth control pills, such as the one you mentioned (likely a combination of estrogen and progestin), typically require a specific period to become fully effective in preventing pregnancy.

In general, if you start taking combination birth control pills, they are effective in preventing ovulation after seven consecutive days of use. This means that if you have taken the pills consistently and correctly for a week, you can rely on them for contraception. However, if you started the pills after your menstrual cycle and had unprotected intercourse before the full week of use, there is still a risk of pregnancy.

In your case, since you mentioned that you experienced a menstrual period after taking the pills for seven days and then had unprotected intercourse right after your period ended, it’s important to consider a few factors:
1. Timing of Ovulation: Ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period. If your menstrual cycle is irregular, predicting ovulation can be challenging. If you had unprotected intercourse right after your period, there is a possibility that you could be close to your ovulation window, depending on the length of your cycle.

2. Effectiveness of the Pill: If you have taken the birth control pills consistently for at least seven days, they should be effective. However, if you missed any doses or did not take them at the same time each day, their effectiveness could be compromised.

3. Withdrawal Method: You mentioned that the intercourse involved withdrawal (pulling out before ejaculation). While this method can reduce the risk of pregnancy, it is not foolproof. Pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, and if the withdrawal is not timed perfectly, there is still a risk of pregnancy.

4. Consulting a Healthcare Provider: Given your history of irregular periods and the hormonal imbalance you mentioned, it would be wise to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can help you understand your cycle better and discuss the best contraceptive options for your situation.

5. Emergency Contraception: If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, you may consider emergency contraception (like Plan B), which is most effective when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex. However, it is still effective up to five days after, though the efficacy decreases over time.

In summary, if you have been taking your birth control pills correctly for at least seven days, they should be effective in preventing pregnancy. However, if you have any doubts or concerns about your situation, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider for tailored advice and to explore additional contraceptive options if necessary.

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