Can I Get Pregnant After 9 Days Without Birth Control Pills?

If you took a pack of medication on the fifth day of your menstrual period and have not taken any medication for the past nine days, there is a possibility of pregnancy if you engaged in sexual intercourse during that time. It is important to consider the type of medication you were taking, as some medications may affect ovulation and fertility. If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test or consult with a healthcare professional for further guidance?

Hello Doctor: I have been taking Yaz for two months.
My period starts on the first day of the new pack.
I wait until the fifth day of my period to start the next pack, but that means I go nine days without taking the pill.
I would like to know if having unprotected intercourse during this gap could lead to pregnancy?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/07/27

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, the contraceptive pill "Yuezi" comes in a pack of 28 tablets, with the last 4 tablets being placebo pills that do not provide contraceptive effects.
Menstruation typically occurs during the last few days of the pack.
After finishing a pack of 28 pills, you should immediately start the next pack.
If you miss taking the pills for three days or more, the contraceptive effectiveness for that month is compromised.
In this case, you should stop taking the remaining pills, wait a few days for your period to start, and then begin a new pack of contraceptive pills on the first day (or the fifth day) of your menstrual cycle.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2024/07/27

More Info

When it comes to the question of whether you can get pregnant after a 9-day break from taking birth control pills, it's important to understand how hormonal contraceptives work and the implications of missing doses.

Birth control pills, like the one you mentioned (Yaz), are designed to regulate your menstrual cycle and prevent ovulation. They contain hormones that inhibit the natural hormonal signals that trigger ovulation. When taken correctly, these pills are highly effective at preventing pregnancy, with a typical use effectiveness rate of about 91%. However, the effectiveness can significantly decrease if pills are missed or taken inconsistently.

In your case, you mentioned that you took the pills for two months and then had a 9-day gap before starting the next pack. This gap can pose a risk for pregnancy. When you miss pills, especially during the first week of a new pack, the likelihood of ovulation increases. If you had unprotected intercourse during this time, there is a possibility that you could become pregnant.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if you miss one or more pills, you should follow the specific instructions provided with your birth control regarding what to do next. Generally, if you miss one pill, you should take it as soon as you remember and continue taking the rest of the pills as scheduled. If you miss two or more pills, especially in the first week of a new pack, you should use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for at least 7 days.

If you had unprotected sex during the 9-day gap, it is advisable to take a pregnancy test if your period is late. Additionally, if you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy, you might consider consulting with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and may discuss options such as emergency contraception if you are within the appropriate time frame.

In summary, while it is possible to get pregnant after a 9-day break from taking birth control pills, the risk depends on when you had unprotected intercourse in relation to your missed doses. It is crucial to follow the guidelines for missed pills and to consult with a healthcare professional for tailored advice. Always remember that consistent and correct use of birth control is key to preventing unintended pregnancies.

Similar Q&A

Can You Get Pregnant After Taking Birth Control for 9 Days?

If you started taking the emergency contraceptive pill (like Ella or Plan B) for the first time on the sixth day of your menstrual cycle and continued for nine days, there is still a possibility of pregnancy if you had unprotected intercourse on the ninth day. If you are concer...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, you should not be pregnant. Wishing you good health.

Can You Get Pregnant After 9 Days on Birth Control Pills?

Hello! I would like to ask, I have been taking the contraceptive pill, Alesse, for the first time for 9 days consistently. If I have unprotected intercourse with ejaculation inside on the 9th day, is there a chance of getting pregnant?

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
What you need is not medical advice but rather a refresher on sexual health knowledge. For such questions, it is recommended to refer to the National Health Service's "Sexual Happiness e-Learning" or the Obstetrics and Gynecology Society's "Consultation G...

Can You Get Pregnant After Stopping Birth Control for a Week?

If there was unprotected intercourse on the first day after stopping the contraceptive pill for 7 days, and there are no plans to take birth control pills again for the next month, there is a possibility of becoming pregnant.

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
If there was unprotected intercourse on the first day after stopping the medication for 7 days, and there are no plans to take contraceptive pills again for the next month, will this result in pregnancy? Answer: This will not result in pregnancy.

Can You Get Pregnant After Taking Birth Control Pills?

Hello: My period started on March 8th last month. I took birth control pills at the end of the month, and my period came on April 2nd, but it only lasted for three days. What is the likelihood of getting pregnant if I had intercourse on April 9th?

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the chances of pregnancy are low, but it is best to take preventive measures beforehand. If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to see a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.