Can you get pregnant on birth control?
Not all birth control methods are equally effective, meaning that some have higher failure rates than others. In this article, learn about the effectiveness of each type of birth control, as well as what to do if you suspect that you are pregnant.
Birth control effectiveness
Different types of birth control have varying levels of effectiveness and fail for different reasons. Birth control options include:
Hormonal methods
Hormonal methods of birth control work by releasing either a synthetic form of progesterone called progestin or a mixture of progestin and synthetic estrogen. Hormonal birth control prevents pregnancy by:
- stopping ovulation
- thinning the lining of the uterus, which makes it difficult for an embryo to implant
- thickening the cervical mucus, making it hard for sperm to enter the uterus
When hormonal birth control fails, this tends to be due to one of the following reasons:
- failing to take the pill, get the next injection, or change the patch or ring on time
- taking antibiotics
- forgetting to take a pill
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the birth control injection tends to be the most effective form of hormonal birth control. Birth control pills, patches, and rings are about 91 percent effective with typical use.
Intrauterine devices
An intrauterine device (IUD) is a T-shaped device that a doctor inserts into the base of the uterus.
Hormonal IUDs emit hormones to prevent pregnancy, while copper IUDs change the way that sperm swim. Both types of IUD also block sperm from entering the uterus.
According to the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals (ARHP), hormonal IUDs are more than 99 percent effective for up to 3 or 5 years, depending on the brand. The ARHP also state that the copper IUD is more than 99 percent effective for up to 12 years.
Hormonal IUDs can take up to a week to begin releasing hormones, so they are more likely to fail during the first week after placement.
Additionally, both hormonal and copper IUDs can become displaced and fall out of the cervix, making pregnancy possible on rare occasions.
Barrier methods
Barrier methods of birth control work by physically blocking sperm from reaching the egg. These methods include:
- male condoms
- female condoms
- diaphragms
- spermicides
- a sponge
The effectiveness of barrier methods vary. According to the CDC, barrier methods are 12–28 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. Diaphragms and male condoms are the most effective of these methods, while spermicide is the least likely to prevent pregnancy.
Barrier methods usually fail due to user error. In some cases, a person may not use a barrier method early enough, allowing sperm to enter the vagina.
Both types of condom may break or tear, and a diaphragm or sponge can sometimes slip out of place. Each of these incidents can allow sperm to get through and reach the egg.
Women who get pregnant while using birth control may notice the following signs and symptoms:
- a missed period
- implantation spotting or bleeding
- tenderness or other changes in the breasts
- fatigue
- nausea and food aversions
- backaches
- headaches
- a frequent need to urinate
- mood swings
Other causes of pregnancy signs
Pregnancy is just one cause of the signs and symptoms above. Similar signs and symptoms can occur as a result of other conditions, including:
- premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- perimenopause
- a urinary tract infection (UTI)
- hormonal imbalances
- breastfeeding
- weight gain
- a change in birth control pill or method
- food poisoning
- gastrointestinal problems
- stress
- lack of sleep
- the common cold
A home pregnancy test can help confirm whether or not a woman is pregnant. Taking a pregnancy test is a quick and painless method of verifying a pregnancy.
Pregnancy tests are available at drugstores, some grocery stores, and online. It is essential to follow the instructions on the packaging.
Pregnancy tests look for the presence of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which indicates that a woman is pregnant.
When to see a doctor
Women should speak to a doctor as soon as possible if they suspect that they are pregnant or have had a positive result on a pregnancy test while on birth control.
Conversely, if a woman misses a period and gets a negative pregnancy test result, she should also seek medical advice unless she is taking a form of birth control that prevents regular periods.
Although they are rare, false negatives are possible. There may be other underlying conditions causing missed periods or other pregnancy symptoms.
Takeaway
The only method of birth control that is 100 percent effective is abstaining from sexual intercourse.
Some methods of birth control are more reliable than others, so anyone who is concerned about their risk of pregnancy should speak with a doctor.
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