The effectiveness and convenience of the pill have been a game-changer making it the contraception of choice for many women. In fact, oral contraception is the second most commonly used contraception in Canada (closely following condoms).
But you may have heard that it isn’t 100% effective. So, can you still get pregnant on the pill?
If you’re thinking about what type of birth control is going to work best for you, or just concerned about the level of protection you get, let us explain this situation.
No form of contraception is 100% effective. That's right. Even when used perfectly, the combined oral contraceptive pill (that is, one that contains both an estrogen and a progesterone) is still only 99% effective.
This rate assumes that everyone taking birth control does so exactly as directed, but of course, people aren't perfect.
This means that typically, the pill tends to be around 91% effective. That means nearly one in ten women who take the pill will get pregnant.
Remember that 91-99% efficacy is pretty amazing, though. So, how do you take the pill correctly to protect yourself from getting pregnant?
The key to taking the pill is taking it every day you are supposed to take one. If you’re on a 28 day package that means taking the pill every single day. Those on a 21 day package will have seven pill-free days.
The Combined Oral Contraceptive Pill (which is the most popular type of pill and contains two hormones: estrogen and a progestin).
The advice is that you need to take the pill at the same time every day. So, to be on the safe side — make it part of your routine.
Suppose you wear a specific moisturizer every morning. Why not keep them together so that when you put your moisturizer on, you take your pill too?
The Progesterone Only Pill (does not contain any estrogen, just a progestin). The POP must be taken at the same time daily to be effective.
The safest thing to do is set a specific time of day to take your pill and engrain it into your daily routine. If you struggle to remember to take it, then set the alarm on your phone, or download a pill tracking app to help you remember.
Even if you remember to take your pill at the same time every day, there are still factors that can decrease efficacy
Your pill can become less effective if:
If you are prescribed a new medication or want to start a herbal remedy, speak to your doctor about whether it will affect your pill.
With a range of drugs reducing the pill's efficacy, it is always better to double-check than find out it has stopped it working when it is too late.
If you are concerned your pill may not work correctly due to illness or medication, it is always safest to use an additional birth control method like condoms. You should always use extra contraception precautions if:
If you have missed more than one pill or have been unwell with sickness or diarrhea, you will need to use extra contraception. Use condoms for the next seven days to protect yourself from pregnancy.
If you are on the pill but concerned you may be pregnant, there are some things you can look out for.
Being on the pill can sometimes mean your periods are different from usual, and for some people, it means they don't have a period at all. This can make it a little harder to spot the early signs of pregnancy.
However, on the whole, early signs of pregnancy may include:
The pill is an extremely effective birth control method as long as it is taken correctly and you know when it might stop working.
Stay vigilant in taking it at the same time of day, every day, and you significantly reduce your chances of getting pregnant while on the pill. However, if you have any concerns that it might not be effective, then use a condom to be on the safe side.
If you suspect you might be pregnant, the best way to get confirmation is to take a home pregnancy test or visit your healthcare practitioner.
The views expressed here are those of the author and, as with the rest of the content on Health Guide, are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare practitioner.
