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Is Ovulation Possible Inspite Of Starting Birth Control Pills Late?

Posted on Tue, 20 Oct 2015

Question: Hi I started my birth control two days late this month. I know this means there is a possibility for ovulation but does ovulation happen as soon as you miss the pills or later in the month? I have only had sex twice during this month and used condoms both times.

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Ovulation occurs later in the month.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for posting your query.

In an ordinary menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs two weeks prior to the onset of the next menstrual cycle. Though you have started the pills late, if you have been taking them regularly, you are amply protected. The chances of ovulation in such a situation are very few.

Moreover, since you had a protected intercourse on both the occasions, you need not worry.

Hope your query has been answered. Please feel free to contact for further clarifications. I will be happy to help.

regards,
Shanti.V.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shanti Vennam (6 minutes later)

Ok thanks for your reply, just to clarify

missing two pills in a row (or starting birth control pack two days late) does not necessarily mean you will ovulate?

Everything I have read has stated that ovulation will occur right after you miss pills, but is this only if you miss more than two in a row?

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If two or more pills are missed in a row this can happen.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

If two or more pills are missed in a row, that too, in the second week of the course, ovulation is likely to occur. If you have been otherwise regular but only started the pills a little late, chances of ovulation are minimal.

Hope this helps. Please do contact if you need any more information.

regards,
Shanti.V.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shanti Vennam (12 minutes later)

Ok thank you for responding again, one more follow up question

My main concern is WHEN would ovulation occur after missed pills? I am worried that the times that I had sex fell on the days I would have ovulated.

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Shanti Vennam (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Ovulation if at all, would happen between day 14-21.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing.

Studies have shown that there is no increased incidence of ovulation in delayed start of oral pills. If at all, ovulation can happen between day 14-21. Please do not worry, since your chances of ovulation are very very less and added to that, you used a second mode of protection also.

Hope this helps.

regards,
Shanti.V.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar