Hi everyone, I’ve been taking combination birth control pills (24+4 placebo pack) for 24 days now. I started my first pack on June 26, and according to my natural cycle, I was supposed to get my period around July 12. Instead, I started bleeding on July 14 and it’s still ongoing, though now it’s very light and almost gone. That part doesn’t bother me much — what’s stressing me out is that last night, my boyfriend and I had sex, and he finished inside me for the first time. Now I’m spiraling a little with anxiety, wondering if I could be pregnant. I know the pills are supposed to protect me, but since I haven’t even completed my first full month yet, and I was still bleeding, I’m unsure. I also read somewhere that menstrual blood can kill sperm — not sure if that’s true or not. Any advice, reassurance, or shared experiences would really help calm my nerves and give me some idea of what to expect. Thanks so much in advance ❤️

You no longer have a natural cycle because you’re on birth control. Irregular bleeding (also known as breakthrough bleeding during active pills) is a common side effect, especially during the first 3-6 months as your body needs to adjust being on. Any bleeding during the break week is called a withdrawal bleed. The bleeds you may experience are not the same as a period. Your bleeds are side effects, and entirely synthetic. Bleeding or not bleeding is not an indicator when it comes to protection. Some people bleed more, others don’t bleed at all. It won’t tell you anything. Correct pill usage is all you have to focus on, that’s what determines whether you’re protected or not. If you use your pills as instructed by your pamphlet then there is no reason to be worried. But if you don’t fully trust your pill yet you should be using condoms for your own sake.