5 Reasons You Can Get Pregnant While on Birth Control
Most contraceptives and birth control methods are considered highly effective in preventing unplanned pregnancy, pregnancy is still possible while on birth control. This article explores five reasons and ways in which an unplanned pregnancy can occur even when practicing birth control methods.
Most women rely on popular contraceptive methods like birth control pills and condoms to prevent unplanned pregnancy. Although the pill and most common birth control methods used by men and women are highly reliable in preventing pregnancy, the chances of getting pregnant while on birth control are very low. Below are five reasons that can lead to pregnancy while on birth control:
Improper use of the chosen contraceptive method
Most contraceptives and birth control methods are almost one hundred percent pregnancy-proof. Human error is a major contributor to unplanned pregnancies among people practicing birth control.
One such example is the misuse of the pill. The pill should be taken at the same time every day. Missing or delaying taking the scheduled pill and having unprotected sex can lead to pregnancy. Also, since the pill is taken in cycles, missed birth control pills can be difficult to correct for cycle interruptions and lead to unplanned pregnancies without backup or alternative contraception.
Condoms can also be misused. Not letting the air out before inserting the condom can cause it to break due to the friction created by intercourse. Also, using an ill-fitting condom can cause it to break or slip during intercourse and leak semen.
Diaphragms, cervical caps, and IUDs, on the other hand, need
to be checked at least once a month for proper position. Misalignment or
improper coverage can provide little path for the sperm to reach the egg and
start the fertilization process.
Inconsistent use of contraceptive methods
Discrepancies in the use of contraceptive methods also contribute to the number of unplanned pregnancies that occur while on birth control. Missing birth control pills or having unprotected sex without a condom is enough to get pregnant "just once". Since sperm can remain in a woman's reproductive system for several days, just one unprotected encounter is enough to cause pregnancy, even if contraception is used during subsequent intercourse.
Other antibiotic drugs
Taking antibiotics has been found to affect and interfere
with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Antibiotics can reduce the level
of steroid plasma concentration in tablets which can drastically change their
effects. If the pill is taken with antibiotics, women and their partners are
advised to use a backup method of contraception to compensate for the reduced
effectiveness of the pill. Backup contraceptives can come in the form of sperm
gels, creams, and condoms.
Broken condoms and other barrier methods
Failure of barrier methods of contraception is the main
cause. Broken condoms and other barrier methods allow sperm to escape and reach
the egg. Condoms often break due to increased friction and pressure during
intercourse. Using the right size condom and the right latex-safe lubricant can
help reduce condom breakage. Monthly checkups can benefit from other barrier
methods to assess and maintain proper fitness.
Believing that there is a safe time for unprotected sex
There is never a safe time for unprotected sex. Studies show
that most women get pregnant during their mid-cycle or fertile days, while some
also get pregnant on days that are generally considered non-fertile. Thus, it
is advised that protection should always be used whenever a person has sex to
avoid unplanned pregnancy.
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