Light Period After Unprotected Sex While on Birth Control: What to Do?

Question
I am on the pill and have been for 2 years i take it everyday at the same time and have never missed a pill, i had unprotected sex and was extremly worried. my "period" came but it is lighter and shorter than usual. is this due to stress or could i somehow be pregnant

Answer
Dear Worried,

If you have faithfully taken the BCP for 2 years without incident, I would not be concerned about this. Occasionally a period can be lighter or heavier than normal due to factors such as stress or depression, as you mentioned, a change in diet, a change in body weight, changes in exercise patterns, or medication/drug use.

As long as the period came at the expected time, during the "off week", I would not suspect pregnancy. If you skipped a period all together, I would be more concerned and recommend testing for pregnancy.

I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. I wish you well.

Brenda