Ask a doctor on the topic of Gynecology

Pill and emergency contraceptive pill

May 22, 2015 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Topic: Birth Control Pill and Emergency Contraceptive Pill!

I always take the birth control pill regularly and I am now in the second week of taking the pill. On the 9th day, I took it as usual (always in the evening), and on the 10th day, I had diarrhea in the morning and afternoon, but had sex in the evening before taking the next pill. Because I wasn't completely sure if I might have had an ovulation or if I was pregnant, I got the emergency contraceptive pill and took it.

Now my question is: Is it possible that I still became pregnant or had an ovulation despite taking the emergency contraceptive pill? When is it critical to have an ovulation in the second week and be at risk of getting pregnant?

My period should come on time according to the schedule on the 5th of June, and I should start with the new pack of pills on the 8th of June. Even if you take the emergency contraceptive pill, do you still need to start again after the 7-day break?

I would appreciate if I could get an answer to this! Thank you! Best regards.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good day,

Having diarrhea for half a day barely weakens the effect of the pill, and with the additional protection of the emergency contraceptive pill, the likelihood of pregnancy is virtually zero.

The most dangerous days in a 28-day cycle are days 13 to 15, when ovulation could occur and pregnancy could result. Day 10 is too early for this.

Please continue taking your pill as usual after the 7-day pill break, even if your period is light or delayed.

All the best!

Sincerely, Dr. Höllering