Expert: Diane Cheryl - 6/9/2010

Question
I lost my birth control pills and missed 5 'Active' pills.My idiocy took over and I had unprotected sex two days out of those five.I am now experiencing Spotting/Breakthrough bleeding.It is about two weeks early and not as heavy as my usual period.What are my chances of pregnancy? Can I get pregnant while bleeding?

Answer
Dear Krista,

Has anything happened since you posted this question? You did take a risk when you had "unprotected" sex and hadn't taken your birth control pills. Actually, though, even if you take the birth control pills exactly correctly, there is still a chance of pregnancy. No birth control method is 100% safe in preventing pregnancy.

I can't tell you the exact chances of pregnancy but you will have to see if you miss your next regular period. Or develop any pregnancy symptoms. Hopefully, the breakthrough bleeding stopped.


If you do feel that you want to get a pregnancy test, you can get a free one at a local pregnancy resource center. To find one, go to http://www.optionline.org or call 1-800-395-HELP.
Or try http://www.heartbeatservices.org and click on the globe in the upper right hand corner.

Please email me at CHERYL51@aol.com and let me know what is happening.

Sincerely,
Diane Cheryl