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Is Missed Period While On Birth Control Pills Suggestive Of Pregnancy?

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Posted on Fri, 7 Aug 2015
Question: My last period started on the 13th of XXXXXXX then ended about the 17/18th. My boyfriend and I had unprotected sex on the 21st. On the 2nd of July I restarted taking my birth control pills. The brand name is Luteria. I was due for my period 6 days ago and I still have no gotten anything. I have had cramps and VERYYYY little spots but nothing has come yet. I don't know if it's the pills or if I'm pregnant. Should I be worried? One doctor said that its because of my birth control pills and its unlikly that i am pregnant. I am seeking a second opinion!!! Please help!!!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Nishikant Shrotri (57 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Pregnancy test(s) required 8-10 days after missed period

Detailed Answer:
Hallow dear,

I have gone through your history and have understood the problem.

Your period started on 13th of XXXXXXX and you had unprotected sex on 21st of XXXXXXX That means your unprotected intercourse was on 9th day of the cycle. That time you were not on any birth control pills.

You restarted the pills on 2nd July. These pills are unlikely to give any protection for the unprotected sex you had on 21st XXXXXXX

The egg release happens 14 days prior to the next expected menses. Since you have not mentioned the periodicity and regularity of your menses, it is not possible to calculate this day. However, let me presume that your menses are of 28 days. In that case, the date of egg release happens to be 27th XXXXXXX Considering the life of eggs and sperms, a week around the egg formation day is a fertile window. So in your case from 23rd XXXXXXX to 1st July is a fertile window.

Though 21st XXXXXXX does not fall in this fertile window, the chances of pregnancy cannot be ruled out entirely as safe period is the most unsafe method of birth control.

You restarted Luteria which is a combination birth control pack. When did you discontinue them and why? Such a discontinuation of birth control pills may cause irregularity in egg formation and menses also.

Even without birth control pills, you had almost no bleeding during menses is highly suggestive of pregnancy. Considering very low spotting, you have to keep in mind the possibility of ectopic pregnancy where the implantation takes place outside the uterine cavity.

Now I would advise you to wait for 8-10 days from the day of your expected menses and then get the urine pregnancy test and/or ultrasonography done for detection of pregnancy. These tests done earlier are non conclusive. If you go for Beta hCG test, it may give you conclusive results 2-3 days after the missed period. In cases of ectopic pregnancy, the pregnancy tests are week positive.

If your intrauterine pregnancy is detected and you do not want it, you may opt for termination of pregnancy by Medicines. These medicines are to be taken with Obstetricians advice and under observation only.

I would like to further focus my advice to you for which I would need some more information from you:

1. What is the frequency of your menstruation?
2. How long were you on Luteria and when did you discontinue them? Why?
3. Please load the images and report of your ultrasonography and the report of urine pregnancy test for my review.

I am always available for you and am awaiting for your further information asked for.
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
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Answered by
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Dr. Nishikant Shrotri

OBGYN

Practicing since :1968

Answered : 2916 Questions

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Is Missed Period While On Birth Control Pills Suggestive Of Pregnancy?

Brief Answer: Pregnancy test(s) required 8-10 days after missed period Detailed Answer: Hallow dear, I have gone through your history and have understood the problem. Your period started on 13th of XXXXXXX and you had unprotected sex on 21st of XXXXXXX That means your unprotected intercourse was on 9th day of the cycle. That time you were not on any birth control pills. You restarted the pills on 2nd July. These pills are unlikely to give any protection for the unprotected sex you had on 21st XXXXXXX The egg release happens 14 days prior to the next expected menses. Since you have not mentioned the periodicity and regularity of your menses, it is not possible to calculate this day. However, let me presume that your menses are of 28 days. In that case, the date of egg release happens to be 27th XXXXXXX Considering the life of eggs and sperms, a week around the egg formation day is a fertile window. So in your case from 23rd XXXXXXX to 1st July is a fertile window. Though 21st XXXXXXX does not fall in this fertile window, the chances of pregnancy cannot be ruled out entirely as safe period is the most unsafe method of birth control. You restarted Luteria which is a combination birth control pack. When did you discontinue them and why? Such a discontinuation of birth control pills may cause irregularity in egg formation and menses also. Even without birth control pills, you had almost no bleeding during menses is highly suggestive of pregnancy. Considering very low spotting, you have to keep in mind the possibility of ectopic pregnancy where the implantation takes place outside the uterine cavity. Now I would advise you to wait for 8-10 days from the day of your expected menses and then get the urine pregnancy test and/or ultrasonography done for detection of pregnancy. These tests done earlier are non conclusive. If you go for Beta hCG test, it may give you conclusive results 2-3 days after the missed period. In cases of ectopic pregnancy, the pregnancy tests are week positive. If your intrauterine pregnancy is detected and you do not want it, you may opt for termination of pregnancy by Medicines. These medicines are to be taken with Obstetricians advice and under observation only. I would like to further focus my advice to you for which I would need some more information from you: 1. What is the frequency of your menstruation? 2. How long were you on Luteria and when did you discontinue them? Why? 3. Please load the images and report of your ultrasonography and the report of urine pregnancy test for my review. I am always available for you and am awaiting for your further information asked for.