Pregnancy Risk After Stopping Birth Control: What You Need to Know

Question
i have been on the pill since i was 17... about 4 1/2 years.  i recently have been off of it for a few months.  i recently had unprotected sex with someone close to me and i almost forgot i haven't been on them the past while.  iw as so used to them and now that im off i got totally stupid.  i was wondering if the chance of getting pregnant is higher  since im fresh off the pill? and how long before i can see if i am prego or not? do i wait to see if i miss periods or get checked asap?

Answer
Hi Patty :)

Well, the moment you come off the pill you are at risk to get pregnant. We often here of ladies that skipped a pill during their cycle, and got pregnant. Its a chance you take because you can spontaniously ovulate on the day you missed the pill.

Now you mentioned you have been off the pill for a few months. Well, this most certainly puts you at risk for pregnancy. Some women suffer a hormonal imbalance when coming off the pill, and its reccomended to give yourself atleast 3 cycles before trying to get pregnant, to allow your hormones to return back to normal state. I realize you definately are not trying to get pregnant here, but thought it was importance to explain how it works.

I dont know how late you are for a period, or if you are late at this point. But I often suggest to wait till you are about 3-4 days late for your period. This allows the HCG level in your urine to accumulate. Its also suggested to do your test first thing in the morning when your urine is more concentrate. Again, the HCG level will be more prominate in the morning, giving you a reliable, accurate result. Also, keep in mind that you must give the test full time allowance before getting your accurate result. If the test says wait 5 minutes, then wait the full 5 minutes. That result of the test can change right up till the last minute of timing. So full time allowance is essential.

If the test comes back negative, most likely you are not pregnant, and you are suffering a hormonal imbalance due to the effects of the birthcontrol pill, when you were on it. Again, not a serious concern, your hormones will return to  normal in time.

If you are simply to anxious, to see if your period comes late, you could see your doctor and request a beta HCG blood test. This blood test is conclusive in diagnosing pregnancy, even in extremely early pregnancies :)

I hope this is of some help, and thanks for writing! If you have any more concerns, please dont hesitate to write again :)

-Kristy