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Reasons Why Your Birth Control Might Fail

birth control calender

When you’re taking birth control, there may always be a little doubt in your mind that it might fail. Although most birth control pills can be close to 100% effective, 53% of unplanned pregnancies occurred in women using birth control methods. There can be a few reasons as to why birth control pills may fail. Here are some of the top reasons they may become ineffective.

Misuse

The failure to follow instructions of birth control is one of the most common reasons of birth control pill failing. Birth control pills should be used exactly as directed and taken at the exact time as the day before. Forgetting to take the pill greatly increases chances of pregnancy. If birth control pills are not your form of contraceptive then you do not have to worry about this. There are many different methods of birth control out there. Talk to your doctor to find the best method of birth control for you.

Antibiotics

Another very frequent cause of the failure of birth control pills is taking birth control pills while taking antibiotics.  If you have a cold, sinus, or any other illness, antibiotics might be a higher priority than birth control for you. Antibiotics can actually reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, creating a higher risk of pregnancy. Antibiotics do not cure viral illnesses so if you are on the pill, it is just best to fight the illness off naturally. It is also recommended to find types of birth control pills that do not interfere with antibiotics and use a back up form of birth control to prevent pregnancy when sick.

Illnesses

The absorption of hormones in the body may become less effective if illnesses such as vomiting and diarrhea occur. If you are relying on the pill, it is good to use another method of birth control if having intercourse while sick and a few days after recovering.

Natural and Herbal Supplements

People take natural and herbal supplements when trying to improve health or prevent symptoms of illnesses. If something is labeled homeopathic or natural, it can still reduce the efficiency of the birth control pill. It is important that you talk to your health care provider before taking any supplements if you are taking birth control pills.