If you are unsure whether you are experiencing bleeding or menstruation, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any contraceptive pills. They can help determine the nature of your bleeding and provide guidance on when to begin taking the pills based on your individual circumstances?
The last menstrual period started on January 21.
After having intercourse with my boyfriend on January 31, I took the emergency contraceptive pill that same night and did not experience any noticeable side effects.
However, during intercourse on February 7, although there was no ejaculation, the condom slipped off.
I got my period that day (I usually have a light flow that lasts only two to three days, so I couldn't tell if it was bleeding or my period).
Is there a chance I could be pregnant? I want to start taking a 21-day birth control pill, so I began taking it on February 7.
If that was not my period, when should I start counting my menstrual cycle? How effective is the birth control pill? When should I take a pregnancy test? Will taking the pill affect the accuracy of the pregnancy test? Should I continue taking this pack of pills until it's finished? After finishing, should I take a seven-day break before starting the second pack?
Lili, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/02/11
Dr. Dai Qihan reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello Lily: Based on your description, it is recommended that you visit a gynecology clinic for a detailed vaginal examination to determine the cause of the abnormal bleeding.
Additionally, contraceptive pills are prescription medications and should be discussed with the prescribing physician.
Please do not take the symptoms of abnormal vaginal bleeding lightly.
Reply Date: 2009/02/11
More Info
When starting birth control pills, especially for the first time, it is common to experience some irregular bleeding or spotting. This can often be mistaken for a menstrual period, but it may simply be a side effect of the hormonal changes that the body is undergoing as it adjusts to the medication. In your case, since you began taking the birth control pills on February 7 after a potential contraceptive failure, it is important to clarify a few points regarding your situation.
Firstly, the bleeding you experienced on February 7 could be a withdrawal bleed, which is a common response to hormonal changes when starting birth control pills. If your menstrual cycle typically lasts around 28 days, and you started the pills on February 7, you would generally expect your next period to occur around the same time in March, assuming the pills are taken consistently. However, if the bleeding on February 7 was not a true menstrual period, it may complicate the calculation of your cycle.
Regarding the effectiveness of the birth control pills, when taken correctly, they are over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. This means that if you take the pills consistently at the same time every day, you should have a high level of protection against pregnancy, even if you experienced some bleeding. However, it is important to note that if you had unprotected intercourse shortly before starting the pills, there is a possibility of pregnancy, especially if you did not have a true menstrual period prior to starting the pills.
If you are concerned about the possibility of being pregnant, it is advisable to wait at least one week after your expected period date to take a home pregnancy test for the most accurate results. Birth control pills do not affect the accuracy of pregnancy tests, so you can test without worrying about interference from the hormones in the pills.
As for continuing the birth control pills, it is recommended to take the entire pack as prescribed, even if you are unsure about the bleeding. Stopping the pills prematurely could lead to further irregularities in your menstrual cycle and may reduce their effectiveness. After finishing the first pack, you should take a seven-day break before starting the next pack, which is standard for most 21-day birth control pill regimens.
In summary, while the bleeding you experienced could be a side effect of starting the birth control pills, it is essential to monitor your cycle and any symptoms closely. If you have any doubts about your pregnancy status or experience unusual symptoms, consulting with a healthcare provider is always a good idea. They can provide personalized advice and may suggest additional methods of contraception or testing if necessary.
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