How to Know If Your Contraceptive Fails

Overview

Whether your contraceptive method is a barrier method or a hormonal method, there is a chance that it will fail. If you think your contraceptive method has failed, you will need to know what signals a failed contraceptive. Generally, the only two ways to determine if your contraception has failed is to look for signs of a broken or misplaced contraceptive device or look for signs of pregnancy.

Step 1

Look for evidence of a broken condom or misplaced contraceptive device. Signs of this include vaginal pain, pieces of the contraceptive device being stuck in the vagina, a partial condom on the man or bleeding after intercourse.

Step 2

Keep track of your menstrual cycle. A missed or delayed menstrual period may signal failed contraception. In addition to noting the dates of your menstrual cycle, you should also keep track of the flow. Should your contraception fail, you may experience really light bleeding that is brownish or pinkish six to 12 days following conception. This is called implantation bleeding and occurs when the embryo implants into the uterine wall.

Step 3

Pay attention to your fatigue level. According to the American Pregnancy Association, you will start to feel noticeably more tired as early as one week following conception.

Step 4

Check your breasts. If they are sore or swollen or if your areolas are darker than normal, there is a chance that your contraceptive has failed. These breast changes are a sign of pregnancy that can occur one to two weeks after conception.

Step 5

Watch for other signs of pregnancy. Backaches, headaches and food cravings are all signs you're your contraceptive measures have failed. Approximately six to eight weeks after conception, you may start to experience morning sickness and frequent urination.

Step 6

Take a pregnancy test. Wait at least one day past the day you should start your menstrual period. If the test is negative and you feel that you are pregnant, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can order a blood test to measure hCG. The blood test is more sensitive than a urine test.