Emergency Contraception: Risks After Starting Birth Control

Emergency contraceptive pill

If I start taking the birth control pill on the third day of my menstrual period, and then have unprotected intercourse after finishing the ninth pill, is there a risk of pregnancy? Note that this is my first time taking the pill, and I have taken all nine pills on time.

A Zhu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/20

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello,
When starting to take birth control pills for the first time, it is recommended to use additional contraceptive measures for the first seven days.
If additional contraception is not used, you should consult a physician to evaluate whether to continue taking the pills.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.

Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2016/02/20

More Info

When it comes to understanding emergency contraception and the risks associated with starting birth control, it's essential to clarify a few key points regarding the timing and effectiveness of oral contraceptives.

First, starting birth control pills on the third day of your menstrual cycle is generally considered a good practice. Most healthcare providers recommend beginning the pill during the first five days of your period to ensure immediate contraceptive protection. Since you started on day three and have taken the pills consistently for nine days, you are likely within the window of effective contraception.

Oral contraceptives work primarily by preventing ovulation. If taken correctly, they are highly effective at preventing pregnancy—over 99% effective with perfect use. This means that if you take your pills at the same time every day without missing any doses, the likelihood of becoming pregnant is very low.

However, if you had unprotected intercourse after taking the ninth pill, the risk of pregnancy is still minimal, provided that you have been taking the pills consistently and correctly. The hormones in the birth control pills should have already suppressed ovulation, making it unlikely that an egg was released for fertilization.

It's important to note that if you miss a pill or take it late, the effectiveness can decrease, and the risk of pregnancy may increase. In such cases, emergency contraception (like Plan B or other levonorgestrel-based pills) can be used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 hours, but it can work up to five days after.

In your situation, since you have been diligent about taking your birth control pills on time, you should be well protected against pregnancy. However, if you have any concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, it is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that while birth control pills are effective at preventing pregnancy, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you are at risk for STIs, consider using condoms in conjunction with your birth control method for added protection.

In summary, based on the information provided, if you have taken your birth control pills consistently and correctly, the likelihood of becoming pregnant after having unprotected intercourse on the ninth day is very low. If you have any doubts or missed doses, consider consulting with a healthcare professional for further guidance and to discuss the possibility of using emergency contraception if needed.

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