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Is Pregnancy Possible While Having Norethindrone Minipills At Various Timings?

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Posted on Sat, 12 Mar 2016
Question: I have been on the XXXXXXX pill Norethindrone (Ortho Micronor) for 2 months and about a week. I have taken every pill at the same time every day as I have an alarm set on my phone. Well on Tuesday and Wednesday this week (it's Saturday) I was at work and was helping customers so those two days I was 1 1/2 hours late taking it...but yesterday and today I took it on time like normal. My husband and I haven't had sex in a couple weeks. But I wanted to ask if we did this weekend, am I safe? I do NOT want to get pregnant as we have a 5 month old. Also, is it safe to have sex around ovulation on this pill without worrying about pregnancy as long as I'm religious about taking it?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
you can have sex safely

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query ,
A delay of 1.5 hrs is actually no delay at all and if you have been regular on the minipill since, then ovulation would not have occurred at all and hence you shall be protected. Another reason is that you never experienced any withdrawal bleed as well yet , having delayed the pills so rest assured that you are safe and can safely have sex with your husband.
regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sameer Kumar (7 minutes later)
So taking 2 pills in a row 1.5 hours late will not make it less effective? Is it safe to have sex around ovulation on this pill?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
there is no ovulation on minipill

Detailed Answer:
Ortho Micronor is a progestin hormone. It works by suppressing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to prevent sperm penetration, and altering the lining of the uterus. So there will not be any ovulation as long as you would be on this pill daily and hence there would be no menstruation as well. Ans as there is no ovulation there is no chance of pregnancy at all.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sameer Kumar (1 minute later)
But I've had periods on it?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
answered

Detailed Answer:
If you have been not taking it continuously and only for 21 days or 28 days at a stretch and then stopping it and again starting the fresh pack after you get your withdrawal bleed, then of course you would have, but during the cycle if you are taking the pack religiously daily, ovulation shall be prevented and you would still be pregnancy safe.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sameer Kumar (8 minutes later)
I have not taken a break between pill packs. I have taken them continuously the whole 9 weeks I've been on them. I've had 2 periods and last month had spotting/breakthrough bleeding mid cycle. So your answers are a bit confusing.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
answered

Detailed Answer:
ideally if you have been taking a progesterone only pill daily without fail then oestrogenisation of the endometrium doesn't occur at all, but a possible delay in taking the pills can often cause a breakthrough bleeding in form of spotting. It is unlikely to be a normal period of 3-5 days as you used to have naturally before pregnancy.
Generally minimills are advised to women who have been breast feeding or who have been suffering from menorrhagia or women with thrombophilic state to avoid blood loss during menstrual heavy bleed.
With regards to contraception, it is again reiterated that you would be safe anyhow. If you still feel that you have ovulated then you should counter check and track it with a ovulation kit daily till it comes positive if you feel you are in the fertile period as of now.
I hope i have answered your query in detail,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sameer Kumar (9 minutes later)
I am on it because I have Factor V Leiden. So I'm still confused as my periods were about the same as before. But as long as you say I'm safe, I guess that's all I need to know.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
answered

Detailed Answer:
It fine to be on progestin only pills due to thrombophilic state and should continue the same for protection. The menses are usually not seen if one is on continuous progestin pills but anyhow you would be safe as you are on them at present.
regards
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sameer Kumar

OB and GYN Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 1780 Questions

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Is Pregnancy Possible While Having Norethindrone Minipills At Various Timings?

Brief Answer: you can have sex safely Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for the query , A delay of 1.5 hrs is actually no delay at all and if you have been regular on the minipill since, then ovulation would not have occurred at all and hence you shall be protected. Another reason is that you never experienced any withdrawal bleed as well yet , having delayed the pills so rest assured that you are safe and can safely have sex with your husband. regards