Although oral contraceptives are 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy when used correctly, the average effectiveness rates are between 93 and 97 percent, according to the American Pregnancy Association. This is because many women make mistakes when taking their birth control medication. If you would like to know with certainty that your birth control pills are 99 percent effective, learn how to avoid the common mistakes that decrease these pills' effectiveness.
Step 1
Take a birth control pill every day. Missing even one active pill puts you at risk for pregnancy. Missing an inactive pill does not directly affect pregnancy protection, but it does interrupt the routine of taking the pill each day, which may make you more prone to forget taking an active pill in the future.
Step 2
Take the pill at the same time each day. Any type of birth control pill works best when taken at the same time each day, explains the Nemours Foundation's website, KidsHealth.org, but doing so is particularly important if you take the progesterone-only pills; taking one of these pills just three hours late can impair your pregnancy protection.
Step 3
Use a backup method of birth control when vomiting or diarrhea is present. The pills do not work as well if your body is unable to absorb them due to illness. The American Congress of Obstetrician and Gynecologist suggests using a backup birth control method for the rest of your menstrual cycle if you experience vomiting or excessive diarrhea.
Step 4
Check the prescribing information sheet or package insert for possible drug interactions before using any antibiotics, medications or supplements. Some of these may interfere with the absorption of the birth control pills and reduce their effectiveness.
Tips and Warnings
- Setting an alarm to remind you to take your pills decreases the chance that you will accidentally take the pill late and reduce its effectiveness.
- Always talk to a doctor about the potential risks of birth control pills before taking the medication. Although most brands of birth control pills have similar instructions, some may vary slightly. Always read the instructions for your specific brand of birth control carefully before using the medication. Call a doctor with any questions. Instead of “winging it” or guessing, always ask a doctor for advice if you have any questions or concerns about taking your pills. Birth control pills are not effective at protecting women against sexually transmitted diseases. The National Women’s Health Information Center warns that women who are overweight or obese may have an increased risk of getting pregnant while using the pill.
Things You'll Need
- Backup method of birth control
References
- American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Birth Control Pills
- American Pregnancy Association: Oral Contraceptives: Birth Control Pills
- Baby Center: Birth Control Pills: The Minipill
- The National Women’s Health Information Center: Birth Control Methods: Frequently Asked Questions
- KidsHealth: Birth Control Pill
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