Contraceptive pills are one of the most popular and reliable forms of birth control when used correctly.
However, many women may not be aware that certain factors can reduce their effectiveness, leading to birth control failure. It’s advised to understand that even with their high success rate, birth control pills are not immune to failure if certain mistakes are made.
In this article, we will look at seven common reasons the pill doesn’t work as expected. By understanding these potential pitfalls, you can make sure that your contraception is as effective as possible, while also feeling reassured about making informed decisions regarding your reproductive health.
1. Taking Antibiotics
One of the most commonly misunderstood reasons for a contraceptive pill not working is taking antibiotics. While most antibiotics don’t affect the pill, there is one notable exception—rifampicin. This medication, used to treat conditions like tuberculosis, can reduce the contraceptive pill effectiveness by affecting how the body metabolises hormones.
If you’re prescribed rifampin or any other medication, it’s advised to speak with your doctor about how it might interact with your birth control. In some cases, using an alternative method of contraception, such as condoms, during treatment may be necessary for continued protection.
2. Forgetting to Take the Pill
Forgetting to take your contraceptive pill, even just once, can significantly reduce its effectiveness. Missing consecutive pills increases the risk of pregnancy even further, as it disrupts the pill’s ability to prevent ovulation.
To avoid common birth control mistakes, consider setting daily alarms, using pill-tracking apps, or incorporating pill-taking into a consistent part of your routine. If you do miss a pill, follow the instructions provided with your contraceptive pack, and consider using backup contraception, such as condoms, until you’re back on track.
3. Obesity
Body weight can influence how well contraceptive pills work. Women with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30 may experience reduced absorption of the hormones in contraceptive pills due to changes in how the body metabolises them. This is because the hormones may be less effective in larger body volumes. The NHS advises women with a higher BMI to discuss other contraceptive options with a healthcare provider.
If you’re concerned about the impact of weight on your pill’s effectiveness, consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend higher hormone dosages or alternative contraceptive methods, such as long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), to make sure of reliable protection.
4. Taking Pills Late
Timing is everything when it comes to taking the contraceptive pill. Taking your pill late, even by a few hours, can reduce its ability to prevent ovulation, especially if you’re on the progestogen-only pill, which is more time-sensitive than the combined pill.
For maximum effectiveness, aim to take your pill at the same time each day. Creating a routine, such as pairing it with a daily habit like brushing your teeth, can help give consistency. If you happen to take your pill late, consult your pack’s instructions, as using backup contraception may be necessary depending on how late the dose was.
5. Sickness
Experiencing sickness, such as vomiting or diarrhoea, can interfere with the absorption of the contraceptive pill, especially if these symptoms occur within a few hours of taking it. If your body hasn’t had enough time to absorb the hormones, the pill may not work as effectively, increasing the risk of pregnancy.
If you’re sick shortly after taking your pill, check your pack’s instructions. You may need to take another pill to compensate for the loss or use backup contraception, like condoms until you’re sure the pill is being absorbed properly. In any case of prolonged sickness, it’s always best to consult your healthcare provider for further guidance.
6. Improper Storage
The way you store your contraceptive pills can impact their effectiveness. Exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight can degrade the hormones in the pills, reducing their ability to prevent pregnancy.
To keep your pills effective, always store them in a cool, dry place—avoid leaving them in places like a bathroom or a hot car. Be sure to check the expiry date and the integrity of the packaging regularly. If you suspect that your pills have been exposed to unsuitable conditions, it’s safer to consult a pharmacist or replace the pack altogether.
7. Underlying Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, like Crohn’s disease or other gastrointestinal disorders, can reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive pills by hindering hormone absorption.
As pills rely on digestion, disorders that cause malabsorption may prevent adequate hormone levels from reaching the bloodstream, increasing the risk of pregnancy. Research in The American Journal of Gastroenterology suggests women with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s face a higher risk of contraceptive failure.
Additionally, hormonal conditions like PCOS or thyroid disorders may affect how well the pill works by interfering with metabolism or hormone balance. In such cases, healthcare providers may recommend non-oral methods like IUDs or contraceptive patches to bypass digestive absorption.
The NHS suggests non-oral contraceptives for women with absorption issues and advises that those with hormonal disorders consult their healthcare providers to find the best contraceptive method.
By understanding and addressing these seven common reasons for your pill not working properly, you can take control of your reproductive health with confidence. Always remember to consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice, especially if you have any concerns about the pill’s effectiveness in your situation.
For more guidance, you can also book a consultation with WePrescribe for contraceptive support.
