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Should I continue taking contraceptive pills despite using the withdrawal method after unprotected sex?

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

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had unprotected sex on my 9th day on the pill (Ethinylestradiol 30 mcg; Levonorgestrel 125 mcg). It was already my third packet. My partner and I still used the withdrawal method. However, I still panicked even though I was taking the pill consistently and at the same time.

So I decided to take four pills of the same brand yesterday and another four after 12 hours as a form of ECP the day after sex. Then I continued with my 10th pill on the pack the same day. Would this put me at risk of pregnancy?

Would overdosing on hormonal pills negate its effectiveness?

Kindly guide.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

As you are consistent in taking your pills on time, and in addition to that, you took extra pills, so the chances of pregnancy are almost zero. So do not worry. However, you might face a lot of nausea, headache, vomiting, bloating, and delayed periods in the next cycle due to excess hormones from the extra number of pills.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Should I just keep on taking my pills on the current pack? Now on my 11th day, or should I start a new pack?

Kindly guide.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Just continue taking the remaining pills on the current pack.

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

You mentioned that my period might be delayed. Does this apply to withdrawal bleeding? I usually get my withdrawal bleeding during my 3rd day on the placebo pills. Will it also be delayed?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Yes. The withdrawal bleeding might be delayed due to excess pills.

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

But will I still get it during the placebo week, or could I bleed during my first week on the new pack?

Kindly guide.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

During the placebo week. However, it might also extend up to the first few days on the new pack.

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It was my pleasure helping you with the medical query, and I would be happy to help you in the future as well.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Am I still protected for the next seven days even though I took ECP during my 10th day on the pill?

Kindly guide.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, you are safe for the next seven days.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you so much.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are welcome.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have been drinking pills with 28 tablets (7 placebo pills). If I want to skip my bleeding, can I proceed with a new pack after the 21st pill? Would I still be protected once I start the new pack?

Kindly guide.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, you will be protected.

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are welcome.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At October 8, 2022
Reviewed AtMarch 11, 2026

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