It is possible to become pregnant while using birth control, though these methods are designed to prevent conception. No method provides a 100% guarantee against pregnancy. Understanding how and why this can occur, along with recognizing potential signs, can help individuals navigate such situations. This article explores factors that can lead to pregnancy while on contraception and outlines the steps to take if it is suspected.
Understanding Birth Control Efficacy
Birth control effectiveness is discussed in terms of “perfect use” and “typical use.” Perfect use refers to consistent and correct application of a method as prescribed, without errors. Typical use reflects real-world scenarios, accounting for human error or improper use that can reduce effectiveness.
Hormonal birth control methods like pills, patches, and rings are over 99% effective with perfect use, but their typical use effectiveness rates often fall into the 91-93% range. Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) and implants generally maintain higher effectiveness, even with typical use, often exceeding 99%. This highlights that while birth control is reliable, the potential for pregnancy, though small, remains.
Common Reasons for Breakthrough Pregnancy
Breakthrough pregnancies, or pregnancies occurring while on birth control, often stem from factors that reduce the method’s intended effectiveness. A primary reason involves inconsistencies with oral contraceptives, such as missing doses or taking pills at irregular times. Each missed pill can decrease hormone levels necessary to prevent ovulation. Similarly, if a birth control patch detaches or a vaginal ring is removed for longer than recommended, its efficacy can be compromised.
Certain medications can also interfere with hormonal birth control by affecting how the body processes hormones. Examples include some antibiotics like rifampin, specific anticonvulsants, certain HIV medications, and the herbal supplement St. John’s Wort. These substances can accelerate the metabolism of contraceptive hormones, leading to lower levels in the bloodstream and potentially allowing ovulation.
Gastrointestinal disturbances, particularly severe vomiting or diarrhea, can prevent the body from fully absorbing oral contraceptive pills. If these symptoms occur shortly after taking a pill, the medication may not have had sufficient time to enter the bloodstream, rendering the dose ineffective.
Additionally, improper storage can degrade the active ingredients in some hormonal methods, reducing their potency. Exposure to extreme temperatures might affect the stability of hormones in pills or patches. While less common, physical issues like the partial or complete expulsion of an intrauterine device (IUD) can also lead to a loss of contraceptive protection. Regular checks are important for IUD users to ensure proper placement.
Recognizing Potential Pregnancy Signs
Identifying a potential pregnancy while on birth control can be challenging because many early pregnancy symptoms overlap with common birth control side effects. A missed period is a classic indicator of pregnancy, but some birth control methods can alter menstrual patterns, leading to lighter, irregular, or even absent periods. This can make a missed period less obvious as a sign of pregnancy.
Other common early pregnancy symptoms include nausea, increased breast tenderness or swelling, fatigue, and an increased urge to urinate. However, hormonal fluctuations from birth control can also cause similar sensations, such as breast discomfort or changes in energy levels.
Mood swings, bloating, and food cravings or aversions are also symptoms that can be experienced during early pregnancy. These can also be attributed to hormonal contraception or typical premenstrual syndrome. Given this overlap, relying solely on symptoms can be misleading. These signs are only indicators and not definitive proof of pregnancy.
Next Steps and Confirmation
If pregnancy is suspected while using birth control, the immediate step is to take a home pregnancy test. These tests detect human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone produced during pregnancy, and are widely available. Following instructions carefully, including waiting the recommended time for accurate results, is important for reliability.
Regardless of the home test result, or if uncertainty persists, consulting a healthcare provider is highly advisable. A doctor or gynecologist can confirm a pregnancy through more sensitive blood tests or an ultrasound. These professional methods offer definitive confirmation.
If pregnancy is confirmed, the healthcare provider will discuss whether to discontinue the current birth control method, particularly if it is a hormonal type or an IUD. They will also provide comprehensive guidance on all available options and necessary next steps. This professional consultation ensures accurate information and personalized care tailored to the individual’s situation.