Birth Control Pills After Abortion: Your Questions Answered - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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After undergoing an abortion, it's crucial to understand how to manage your birth control effectively, especially if you're starting a new regimen like Levlen ED, which is a combination oral contraceptive pill containing Levonorgestrel and Ethinyl Estradiol. Here’s a detailed explanation of how to proceed with your birth control pills after an abortion, along with some additional insights into the use of contraceptives.


Understanding Your Birth Control Regimen
1. Starting the Pills: Since you began taking the birth control pills immediately after your abortion, you are on the right track. Starting the pill right after the procedure can help prevent unintended pregnancy and regulate your menstrual cycle.

2. Completion of the Pack: If you finish the 28-day pack of Levlen ED and your period has not arrived, you should continue taking the next pack of pills without waiting for your period. This is known as continuous use and is common with combination oral contraceptives. The absence of menstruation can be due to hormonal changes after the abortion, and it’s not unusual for your cycle to be irregular initially.

3. Menstrual Cycle and Pill Use: If your period does arrive while you are still on the active pills, continue taking the active pills as scheduled. The "reminder" pills (placebo pills) are taken during the last week of the pack and are designed to allow for a withdrawal bleed, similar to a menstrual period. You do not need to wait for your period to start a new pack; just continue with the next pack after completing the current one.

4. First Day of Menstruation: If you happen to start your period during the active pills, you do not need to take the reminder pills early. Just finish the active pills and take the reminder pills as scheduled. When you start a new pack, you can begin it regardless of whether you are still bleeding or not.


Additional Considerations
- Effectiveness: Birth control pills are highly effective when taken correctly. It’s essential to take your pills at the same time every day to maintain their effectiveness. If you miss a pill, follow the instructions provided with your medication regarding what to do next.

- Side Effects: After an abortion, your body is undergoing significant hormonal changes. It’s common to experience irregular bleeding or changes in your menstrual cycle as your body adjusts. If you experience severe side effects or prolonged absence of menstruation, consult your healthcare provider.

- Follow-Up Care: It’s important to have follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider after an abortion to monitor your recovery and discuss any concerns regarding your menstrual cycle or birth control.

- Other Contraceptive Options: If you find that the pill does not suit you, there are other contraceptive methods available, such as IUDs, implants, or injections. Discuss these options with your healthcare provider to find the best method for your lifestyle and health needs.


Conclusion
In summary, after completing your pack of Levlen ED, continue with the next pack regardless of whether your period has arrived. If you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle or the effectiveness of your birth control, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice. Remember, managing your reproductive health is crucial, and understanding how to use your contraceptives effectively is a key part of that process.