Common Reasons for Contraceptive Pill Failure
When
used properly, the pill is one of the most effective methods of
contraception available. However, no matter how long you have been
using the contraceptive pill for, or how cautious you may be,
accidents can still happen. It is still possible to get pregnant when
using the pill, especially when it is not used correctly. To help you
avoid unplanned pregnancies, here are some of the most common reasons
why the pill fails:
used properly, the pill is one of the most effective methods of
contraception available. However, no matter how long you have been
using the contraceptive pill for, or how cautious you may be,
accidents can still happen. It is still possible to get pregnant when
using the pill, especially when it is not used correctly. To help you
avoid unplanned pregnancies, here are some of the most common reasons
why the pill fails:
Negligence
If
you lead a busy lifestyle, remembering to take a pill at the same
time everyday can sometimes slip your mind. Missing a pill, or
starting a pack late, can cause its effectiveness to decrease. Taking
your pill at the same time every day greatly reduces the chance of
contraceptive failure. Consistency is particularly important for the
progestogen-only pill, which has a three or 12 hour window when the
hormones are active. If you are someone who is prone to
forgetfulness, try to choose a convenient time to take your pill or
even set an alarm as a reminder. If the pill you are using does
not suit your circumstances, you may need to consider changing it.
For example, many women find the progesterone-only pill easier
to remember, as there is no break in between pill-taking, unlike the
combined pill that requires a seven day break.
you lead a busy lifestyle, remembering to take a pill at the same
time everyday can sometimes slip your mind. Missing a pill, or
starting a pack late, can cause its effectiveness to decrease. Taking
your pill at the same time every day greatly reduces the chance of
contraceptive failure. Consistency is particularly important for the
progestogen-only pill, which has a three or 12 hour window when the
hormones are active. If you are someone who is prone to
forgetfulness, try to choose a convenient time to take your pill or
even set an alarm as a reminder. If the pill you are using does
not suit your circumstances, you may need to consider changing it.
For example, many women find the progesterone-only pill easier
to remember, as there is no break in between pill-taking, unlike the
combined pill that requires a seven day break.
Certain
medicines and antibiotics can interfere with contraceptive pills.
Before taking a new medicine, it’s important to consult with a
healthcare professional or check the patient information on the pack
to find out whether it is compatible with your method of birth
control. If the medicine you have been prescribed is going to
compromise the pill’s effectiveness, you will need to use another
method of contraception until you have stopped taking the
medicine.
medicines and antibiotics can interfere with contraceptive pills.
Before taking a new medicine, it’s important to consult with a
healthcare professional or check the patient information on the pack
to find out whether it is compatible with your method of birth
control. If the medicine you have been prescribed is going to
compromise the pill’s effectiveness, you will need to use another
method of contraception until you have stopped taking the
medicine.
Illness
If
you have an illness that involves vomiting or diarrhoea, the pill can
also lose its effectiveness, and extra protection will be needed if
you have unprotected sex. This is because the pill will not have
been fully absorbed into your bloodstream. If your illness persists,
continue to take your pill and use another method of contraception to
protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy.
you have an illness that involves vomiting or diarrhoea, the pill can
also lose its effectiveness, and extra protection will be needed if
you have unprotected sex. This is because the pill will not have
been fully absorbed into your bloodstream. If your illness persists,
continue to take your pill and use another method of contraception to
protect yourself from unwanted pregnancy.
Failing
to follow the instructions
to follow the instructions
Failing
to follow the instructions on your pill pack is one of the main
causes of contraceptive failure. For example, if you are using
the combined pill and extend your seven-day break by not taking two
or more pills, there may also be a risk of getting pregnant.
Starting packs late or changing your pill can also raise your
risk of unplanned pregnancy. If you’re finding it difficult to use
the pill correctly, you may want to try a more long-term
contraceptive solution, like the implant or injection.
to follow the instructions on your pill pack is one of the main
causes of contraceptive failure. For example, if you are using
the combined pill and extend your seven-day break by not taking two
or more pills, there may also be a risk of getting pregnant.
Starting packs late or changing your pill can also raise your
risk of unplanned pregnancy. If you’re finding it difficult to use
the pill correctly, you may want to try a more long-term
contraceptive solution, like the implant or injection.
