OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist) | Gynecology Questions

Pregnancy

I have been taking oral contraceptives for the past four months. I would like to mention that I take the combined pills containing both estrogen and progesterone. They have been prescribed to me by my gynaecologist primarily for regulating my periods. My concern is that I do not know if I can trust them as my sole contraception method. Therefore I haven’t. But a week ago my partner’s condom broke. I mention that it happened 6 days before my period. My period is three days late, which has not happened since I’ve been on the pill.

Female | 18 years old

1 Answer

Taken properly, combined oral contraceptives are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. If you’ve missed any pills, it could be less effective.
With continued pill use, the period can get lighter and start later.
The best way to know if you’re pregnant is to do a home pregnancy test, and keep taking your pill if it’s negative.