I had my period 5 days ago. If I had unprotected sex today, is there a chance I could get pregnant?

Hello,

If you do indeed take your birth control pill regularly and without forgetting, you also have the protection of birth control even during the "hormone-free" period, which is a maximum of 7 days (so during bleeding time).

If, however, you have exceeded the contraceptive discontinuation period, which is a maximum of 7 days (you have not re-started your pack after the 7th day as recommended) , you are indeed probably not protected by your pill.

For this scenario, I would encourage you to take 1 pill at the time you notice the forgetfulness and continue your regular intake 1 time per day until you finish your pack. If you have had sex in the 5 days prior to forgetting, I would also advise you to see your pharmacist to discuss the possibility of using the emergency oral contraceptive (morning after pill). The sooner it is taken, the better it will work. Finally, because your contraceptive is probably no longer fully effective due to the extended break, a second method of contraception, such as a condom, will also need to be used 7 days after resuming the pill.

I hope this answers your question.

Maeva Di-Ré, Pharmacy Student

Supervised by Alexandre Chagnon, Pharmacist