Can You Get Pregnant on the Pill?
The birth control pill is one of the most effective methods of contraception, but it is not 100% effective. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 9 out of 100 women who take the pill will get pregnant each year.
There are a number of reasons why a woman might get pregnant on the pill. These include:
- Not taking the pill correctly. The pill must be taken every day at the same time in order to be effective. If you miss a pill or take it late, you may not be protected from pregnancy.
- Interactions with other medications. Certain medications can interfere with the effectiveness of the pill, including antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants.
- Having a medical condition. Certain medical conditions, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, can make the pill less effective.
- Being overweight or obese. Women who are overweight or obese are more likely to get pregnant on the pill than women who are at a healthy weight.
How to Know if You’re Pregnant on the Pill
If you think you might be pregnant on the pill, there are a few things you can do to find out:
- Take a pregnancy test. Pregnancy tests are available over-the-counter at most pharmacies. If you get a positive pregnancy test, you should see your doctor to confirm your pregnancy and discuss your options.
- Talk to your doctor. Your doctor can perform a physical exam and order blood tests to confirm your pregnancy. Your doctor can also help you decide what to do if you are pregnant.
What to Do if You’re Pregnant on the Pill
If you are pregnant on the pill, you have a few options:
- Continue the pregnancy. If you want to have a baby, you can continue the pregnancy. However, you should talk to your doctor about any risks associated with continuing the pregnancy while on the pill.
- Have an abortion. If you do not want to have a baby, you can have an abortion. Abortion is a legal medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. There are different types of abortion procedures, and your doctor can help you decide which one is right for you.
Tips for Avoiding Pregnancy on the Pill
If you want to avoid pregnancy on the pill, there are a few things you can do:
- Take the pill correctly. Take the pill every day at the same time. If you miss a pill or take it late, take it as soon as you remember. If you miss two or more pills in a row, use backup contraception, such as condoms, for the rest of the month.
- Be aware of interactions with other medications. Talk to your doctor about any other medications you are taking to make sure they will not interfere with the effectiveness of the pill.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can make the pill less effective. If you are overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about ways to lose weight.
Expert Advice
In addition to the tips above, here is some expert advice for avoiding pregnancy on the pill:
- Consider using a backup method of contraception. Even if you take the pill correctly, it is still possible to get pregnant. Using a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, can help to reduce your risk of pregnancy.
- Get regular checkups. See your doctor regularly for checkups to make sure that the pill is still working for you and that you are not experiencing any side effects.
FAQ
Q: Can I get pregnant on the pill if I miss a pill?
A: Yes, you can get pregnant on the pill if you miss a pill. If you miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember. If you miss two or more pills in a row, use backup contraception, such as condoms, for the rest of the month.
Q: Can I get pregnant on the pill if I take it late?
A: Yes, you can get pregnant on the pill if you take it late. If you take the pill late, take it as soon as you remember. If you are more than 12 hours late taking the pill, use backup contraception, such as condoms, for the rest of the month.
Q: Can I get pregnant on the pill if I have diarrhea or vomiting?
A: Yes, you can get pregnant on the pill if you have diarrhea or vomiting. If you have diarrhea or vomiting for more than 24 hours, the pill may not be absorbed into your body properly. If you have diarrhea or vomiting, use backup contraception, such as condoms, until you have recovered.
Conclusion
The birth control pill is a highly effective method of contraception, but it is not 100% effective. If you are concerned about getting pregnant on the pill, talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you decide if the pill is right for you and can provide you with tips for avoiding pregnancy.
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