There are many birth control options available to reduce the likelihood of unplanned pregnancy. Among those options, a combined contraceptive pill is probably the most popular and highly effective method of birth control.
But do you know that several factors can interfere with birth control pill effectiveness or stop it from working altogether? In this article, we have listed down the 4 things that make the contraceptive pill less ineffective.
1. Vomiting and diarrhea
The birth control pill effectiveness diminishes drastically if vomiting or diarrhea is experienced within the 2-hour window after taking the pill.
This is because the pill requires approximately 2-hours to be completely absorbed into the bloodstream, and any loss of bodily fluids, which is quite excessive in case of vomiting or diarrhea, hinders this process.
If you feel ill within the 2-hours of taking the pill, it may not have had sufficient time to take effect. You can regain protection by taking another pill immediately after vomiting. However, if sickness and diarrhea persist, you may lose contraceptive effectiveness.
Therefore, It is advisable not to be involved in any sexual activity for 24 hours, or if you choose to engage in such activities, use a Durex Condom until you have fully recovered.
2. Taking it at irregular time
To maintain a balance of hormone levels, it is crucial to take contraceptive pills at roughly the same time daily. The variation in the time of taking the pill can often lead to a reduction of effectiveness, ultimately increasing the risk of pregnancy.
Missing a pill means taking it more than 24 hours later than your usual time. Additionally, the likelihood of pregnancy depends on the number of missed pills and when they are missed, so it is important to use a condom if you doubt protection from the birth control pill.
3. Storage place of pill
Although it might come to you as a surprise, the place where you store your contraceptive pill can influence its effectiveness.
Usually, many of us keep the medications in our bathroom cabinets. Still, the steam and heat generated during the showers and baths can create temperature variations, causing an impact on your pill.
It is recommended to keep such medications away from direct sunlight and store them in a cool area. Furthermore, don’t forget to check the expiration date of any medications before taking them.
Certain antibiotic medications
While most medications can be taken safely alongside the contraceptive pill, certain antibiotics can reduce its effectiveness.
For example, Rifabutin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis, can disrupt the pill’s reliability by causing irregular periods, leading to an increased risk of pregnancy.
It is highly recommended to consult with a doctor to determine if any prescribed medication might interfere with your birth control pill and take necessary precautions.
As always, if you feel even the slightest uncertainty about the effectiveness of the pill, use a condom for added reassurance.
Note: Contraceptive pills are the most popular form of birth control, but it doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections or diseases. For almost complete protection, it is essential to use Durex Extra Safe and Invisible Extra Thin Condom consistently.
Like many medications, the combined pill may have side effects, making it unsuitable for some individuals. Therefore, ladies can also consider alternate contraception methods like female condoms, implants, or injections.
Furthermore, if you have concerns regarding contraception and its potential side effects, don’t hesitate to discuss them with a doctor.
