Pregnant on Birth Control

No method of birth control offers a woman 100 percent guarantee that she will not get pregnant while using it and the risk of becoming pregnant on birth control is possible.

Some women find themselves pregnant despite using birth control

The percentage of pregnancies which occur while a woman is on birth control is relatively low, however, the possibility is there and women (and their partners) ought to be fully aware of the degree of risk that each birth control method carries.

When making a choice about which form of contraception to use long-term, it is always best to read background information about the methods before making a decision. What is best for one woman may not suit another and much of the choice is driven by lifestyle. For some, medical history also plays a big part in the decision making process.

The surprise of being pregnant on birth control can be overwhelming, yet for others the news may not be as surprising if the effectiveness of a particular method was compromised. There are a few reasons why the risk of pregnancy may be increased while using birth control:

The pill as a method of birth control is designed to be taken on specific days of a woman’s cycle. Dosages are carefully timed around ovulation and subsequent avoidance of fertilization following intercourse. For some women, the commitment to take a daily pill can be a challenge and missing doses is a risk. Pregnancy can occur even after one missed does, therefore, it is crucial to maintain a regular cycle when taking the contraceptive pill as a means to avoid unwanted pregnancy. Inconsistencies can also occur when using other methods such as the cap or condom, which can allow sperm to infiltrate the cervix if used incorrectly.

Antibiotics and other medications and herbs taken orally can interfere with the actions of the contraceptive pill. In light of this, women are explicitly advised to use a barrier method of contraception, such as condoms, at any time when a risk medication may be taken. For women who take medication regularly that may interfere with the contraceptive pill, an alternative method of contraception would be advised such as the coil, Depo Provera injection, or implant, since these forms do not harbor much conflict with other drugs.

Some people do not check condoms after use to ensure that they have not split. This is always advisable as even the smallest tear in the rubber can allow sperm to travel into the cervix, causing the potential for a pregnancy to occur. The young, in particular, are often frivolous with the use of condoms and should always be cautious since this method can be unreliable particularly where ‘accidents’ happen. If a condom is found to have split, the woman will may want to obtain the morning after pill in order to ensure that an unwanted pregnancy does not occur as a result.

As the examples above highlight, it is possible to become pregnant on birth control. In the event that this happens, a couple are naturally faced with a difficult dilemma of an unexpected and, in some cases, unwanted pregnancy. Getting over the initial shock may be difficult, however, decisions do need to be made as soon as possible regarding whether to continue with the pregnancy.

For some couples, the unexpected shock may result in a happy event while others may be devastated by the news. It is essential that no decision is made lightly and it is always advisable to balance the options of continuing with the pregnancy versus deciding on a termination. For some couples, counseling is a preferred option along with discussion with an obstetrician to ensure all options and choices are made available.

If a couple suspect that their chosen method of birth control has failed them, it is crucial to seek medical attention at the earliest convenience. Many couples discover a pregnancy that could well have been avoided if action, such as taking the morning after pill, had been taken within a short time following the ‘accident’. In cases such as this, it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Some couples go to extreme measures when taking steps to avoid pregnancy. This can be achieved by ‘doubling-up’ on methods of birth control, such as taking a contraceptive pill and using a condom during intercourse. For some couples, this is recommended for medical reasons. For example, if either the man or women is taking a steroid such as ‘Methotrexate,’ which is commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, since it is known to be harmful to a fetus. Couples are strongly recommended to avoid pregnancy during the time of taking the drug and for three months after the drug has been stopped.

Once again, risks can be minimized but the important thing is that couples remain educated and up-to-date on current forms of contraception and those that carry less risk of unwanted pregnancies.

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