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Published on: 8/20/2025

What happens if you stop taking birth control pills after a week?

If you stop taking birth control pills after a week, your body may start to return to its natural cycle, and you could become pregnant if you have unprotected sex.

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Explanation

When you stop taking birth control pills after just a week, your body may begin to return to its natural state. This means that the hormones from the pills that prevent ovulation might not be enough to keep you from getting pregnant.

Here’s what might happen:

  1. Hormone Changes: Your body will start to adjust as the hormones from the pill leave your system. This could lead to changes in your menstrual cycle.
  2. Return of Ovulation: According to the references, ovulation can start again, which means you could get pregnant if you have unprotected sex.
  3. Missed Pills: If you miss taking your pills, it’s important to follow guidelines about what to do next. This can include using backup contraception like condoms.

In summary, stopping the pill early may increase your risk of pregnancy, and you should consider alternate birth control methods if needed.

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