Preemptive Birth Control Pills: Your Questions Answered

I would like to inquire about oral contraceptives?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask a question.
Currently, we are not planning for children, so my girlfriend has been taking oral contraceptive pills to prevent pregnancy.
Last month, I recorded her menstrual cycle: it started on the 3rd and ended on the 10th.
She took the contraceptive pill one day after her period ended.
On the evening of the 14th, we had sexual intercourse, and we continued to have intercourse in the following days.
She took the pills on time during this period.
This month, her menstrual cycle started on the 7th, but it ended on the 12th, and the flow was much lighter than usual.
The first three days had very little flow, and on the fourth day, there was almost none.
It wasn't until the fifth day that there was a small amount, and on the sixth day, which was the 12th, there was no flow at all, and it did not reach a bright red color.
Is there a possibility of pregnancy? Was the timing of the pill intake incorrect?

Yu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/13

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, it seems that the initiation of birth control pills was delayed, which may result in insufficient contraceptive effectiveness.
Additionally, the bleeding you’ve experienced in the past few days cannot be definitively identified as menstruation, and there is still a possibility of pregnancy.
For safety's sake, it is advisable to consult a physician for a thorough examination.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2015/08/13

More Info

Understanding preemptive birth control pills and their effectiveness is crucial for anyone looking to avoid unintended pregnancies. Based on your situation, it seems you have a few concerns regarding the timing and effectiveness of the birth control pills your girlfriend is taking, as well as the implications of her menstrual cycle following sexual activity.

First, it's important to clarify how birth control pills work. Oral contraceptives, commonly referred to as birth control pills, are designed to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining to reduce the likelihood of pregnancy. When taken correctly, they are highly effective, with a failure rate of less than 1% with perfect use. However, typical use, which accounts for missed doses or incorrect timing, can increase this failure rate.

In your case, your girlfriend began taking the birth control pills after her period started, which is generally acceptable. Many healthcare providers recommend starting the pill at least seven days before engaging in unprotected intercourse for maximum effectiveness. Since she started taking the pills after her period, it is crucial to ensure that she has taken them consistently and correctly. If she has taken the pills as directed without missing any doses, the likelihood of pregnancy is significantly reduced.

Regarding her menstrual cycle, it is not uncommon for women to experience changes in their periods when they start taking birth control pills. This can include lighter flow, shorter duration, or even missed periods, especially in the first few months of use. The fact that her period came on the 7th and then stopped on the 12th, with a lighter flow than usual, could be a result of the hormonal changes induced by the pills. It is also possible that she is experiencing a breakthrough bleed, which is common when starting hormonal contraceptives.

However, if there is any concern about the possibility of pregnancy, it is advisable for her to take a home pregnancy test. These tests are generally accurate if taken after a missed period, which in her case would be after the 12th, given her cycle. If the test is positive or if she continues to experience unusual symptoms, such as severe cramping or unusual discharge, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

In summary, if your girlfriend has been diligent in taking her birth control pills, the risk of pregnancy is low. Changes in her menstrual cycle can be attributed to the hormonal effects of the pills. However, if there are any doubts or unusual symptoms, a pregnancy test and consultation with a healthcare professional would provide clarity and peace of mind. Always remember that while birth control pills are effective, no method is 100% foolproof, and understanding how to use them correctly is key to their effectiveness.

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