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Is it possible to get pregnant while using contraceptive pills?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I want to ask if it is possible that I am pregnant. I had my period twice the previous month. After that, I experienced dark spotting that lasted only two days. Again, after a few days, I had another short episode of dark bleeding for just two days.

I took a pregnancy test, and it came out positive, but I have been using contraceptive pills every month. Could I still be pregnant despite using birth control? I am confused because of the irregular bleeding and missed periods.

Please help me.

Thanks.
Answered by Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Experienced Lebanese gynecologist with a passion for women's health and well-being. My journey began with specialty training in esteemed Lebanese hospitals, where I honed my skills and deepened my understanding of gynecology and obstetrics. In 2020, I ventured to Paris to further enrich my knowledge and graduated with distinction, bringing back invaluable insights and expertise to my practice.Throughout my career, I have embraced the diverse facets of gynecology and surgery, specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound techniques, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy. My commitment to excellence is reflected in the numerous diplomas and certifications I have earned from esteemed universities in Lebanon and Paris.As a dedicated healthcare professional, I am driven by a genuine enthusiasm for my field and a relentless pursuit of excellence in patient care. I thrive in collaborative environments, where I actively contribute as a team player, leveraging my expertise to achieve optimal outcomes for my patients.With a deep-rooted passion for advancing women's health and a commitment to staying at the forefront of medical innovation, I am poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those entrusted to my care.Let's connect and embark on a journey towards healthier tomorrows, together.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Despite using pills, if they are not taken consistently or missed even a few times, you can get pregnant, especially with spotting or irregular bleeding, as you described. Those dark, short periods could have actually been implantation bleeding or hormonal withdrawal bleeding, not true menstruation. The long dark bleeding might have been a hormonal imbalance, an incomplete miscarriage (if pregnant earlier), or related to the contraceptive pills.

A positive pregnancy test means you are likely pregnant now, especially after missed periods and no proper bleeding for months. Go to a doctor or gynecologist as soon as possible: Get a blood test and ultrasound to confirm the stage of pregnancy and check the baby’s health.

If you were taking pills while unknowingly pregnant, your doctor needs to check everything carefully. Stop taking contraceptive pills now; they are not safe during pregnancy. Track any symptoms like pain, cramping, dizziness, or bleeding. You are not alone; this happens more often than people realize. I am here to help you through each step safely.

Feel free to follow up with any further questions or concerns.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 29, 2025
Reviewed At June 4, 2025

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Experienced Lebanese gynecologist with a passion for women's health and well-being. My journey began with specialty training in esteemed Lebanese hospitals, where I honed my skills and deepened my understanding of gynecology and obstetrics. In 2020, I ventured to Paris to further enrich my knowledge and graduated with distinction, bringing back invaluable insights and expertise to my practice.Throughout my career, I have embraced the diverse facets of gynecology and surgery, specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound techniques, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy. My commitment to excellence is reflected in the numerous diplomas and certifications I have earned from esteemed universities in Lebanon and Paris.As a dedicated healthcare professional, I am driven by a genuine enthusiasm for my field and a relentless pursuit of excellence in patient care. I thrive in collaborative environments, where I actively contribute as a team player, leveraging my expertise to achieve optimal outcomes for my patients.With a deep-rooted passion for advancing women's health and a commitment to staying at the forefront of medical innovation, I am poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those entrusted to my care.Let's connect and embark on a journey towards healthier tomorrows, together.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Dr. Georges Hany Kozah
Dr. Georges Hany Kozah

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Consult this doctor

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Experienced Lebanese gynecologist with a passion for women's health and well-being. My journey began with specialty training in esteemed Lebanese hospitals, where I honed my skills and deepened my understanding of gynecology and obstetrics. In 2020, I ventured to Paris to further enrich my knowledge and graduated with distinction, bringing back invaluable insights and expertise to my practice.Throughout my career, I have embraced the diverse facets of gynecology and surgery, specializing in high-risk obstetrics, advanced ultrasound techniques, oncology, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy. My commitment to excellence is reflected in the numerous diplomas and certifications I have earned from esteemed universities in Lebanon and Paris.As a dedicated healthcare professional, I am driven by a genuine enthusiasm for my field and a relentless pursuit of excellence in patient care. I thrive in collaborative environments, where I actively contribute as a team player, leveraging my expertise to achieve optimal outcomes for my patients.With a deep-rooted passion for advancing women's health and a commitment to staying at the forefront of medical innovation, I am poised to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those entrusted to my care.Let's connect and embark on a journey towards healthier tomorrows, together.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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