I Am On Pill. Can I Still Get Pregnant?
It has happened to a lot of women out there. We got busy and forgot to take our birth control pills. This is the scariest moment but it doesn’t necessarily mean we’ll become pregnant. So, don’t worry.
Let us share that the birth control pills aren’t 100% effective at preventing pregnancy. So, if no method of birth control is totally guaranteed to prevent pregnancy, and because it is so easy to make mistakes, it sounds important to understand what birth control pills actually do and how we can increase the odds of them being effective.
Is the pill really effective?
Birth control pills are considered effective, but they can’t be entirely foolproof. They’re about 99% effective- when you take them correctly at the same time each and every day. If you don’t, your odds of becoming pregnant are up by 9%.
What are the different types of pills?
There are different types of birth control pills – such as combined pills and mini-pills. You need to take them as prescribed even on the days you don’t have sex.
While you start the pill initially…
The pill doesn’t start working immediately. You need to take it for at least a few days before it becomes effective. That is exactly why it is important to use a backup contraceptive, like condoms, when you first start taking a pill. Talk to your doctor about duration you need to use a backup method. Similarly, talk to your doctor if you just had a delivery or are breastfeeding and would want to take the birth control pill.
Pill doesn’t protect against HIV AIDS
You need to continue using condoms every time you have sex, especially with new partners to stay safe. Pill doesn’t offer any protection against HIV AIDS.
Other Reasons, the Pill Can Fail
If you don’t store them well:
Birth control pills should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. Don’t place them in your bathroom and in addition leave them in their original packaging so that they are protected.
If you are on certain other medicines
. While most antibiotics are safe to take while you are on birth control pills, some medicines can make your birth control pills less effective. Keep your Doctor informed while you get a prescription for some medical condition to cross check.
