What to do if there is a violation of the contraceptive regimen. Stopping or skipping birth control pills

Is pregnancy possible while taking birth control pills?

The progestogen component is responsible for the contraceptive effect in hormonal drugs. Estrogens are introduced into tablets only to maintain the function of the pituitary gland and ovaries and to produce menstrual-like bleeding. Birth control pills lead to changes in the functioning of the pituitary gland, inhibit the production of FSH and LH, so the maturation of the egg does not occur, and ovulation is impossible.

The likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy is also reduced when taking birth control pills. Hormones suppress the peristalsis of the fallopian tubes and increase the viscosity of cervical mucus, so sperm cannot penetrate to the egg. It takes 7 days for the contraceptive effect to develop. During this period, a restructuring of the woman’s endocrine system occurs.

The Pearl index for oral contraceptives is 1. This means that pregnancy when taking OCs occurs within a year in 1 out of 100 women using this method. But statistics do not take into account the correct use and absence of errors in taking birth control pills.

Pregnancy while taking birth control pills: causes and symptoms

Pregnancy while taking contraceptives is practically excluded, but the Pearl index, which reflects the effectiveness of the contraceptive, is still not zero. Most often, the onset of pregnancy is associated with a violation of the dosage regimen, and not with the effectiveness of the method of preventing unwanted pregnancy.

Is pregnancy possible while taking birth control pills?

The Pearl index for oral contraceptives is 1. This means that pregnancy when taking OCs occurs within a year in 1 out of 100 women using this method. But statistics do not take into account the correct use and absence of errors in taking birth control pills.

Causes of pregnancy while taking birth control pills

The effectiveness is reduced when using certain medications that affect the hepatic metabolism of hormones.

Women who have chosen this method of protection against unplanned conception should try to eliminate factors that affect contraceptive properties.

First cycle of taking COCs without additional protection

Those who have just started using oral contraceptives need to be careful. The pills are taken from the first day of menstruation, and within seven days the protective effect should develop.

But in some cases, the body needs a period of adaptation to birth control . During this period, the work of the pituitary gland and ovaries is reconstructed, the production of its own hormones is suppressed, and the body gets used to the new state.

Violating the dosage regimen at the very beginning of the course is dangerous.

Doctors recommend using additional means to prevent pregnancy from occurring while taking birth control pills. The recommendation is especially relevant for women who have not previously used contraceptives, as well as in the postpartum period, if COCs were started before the onset of menstruation.

Pass

Skipping the time of taking OK for up to 12 hours is relatively safe. It is necessary, following the instructions, to take the missing tablet and then carefully monitor the time of administration. The possibility of getting pregnant appears if more than 12 hours have passed since the time when you need to drink OK. In this case, you need to focus on the number of the tablet in the package:

the beginning of the course - there is a high chance of pregnancy, you need to take the missed pill and use condoms for a long time;
graying of the package - the risk of getting pregnant is also increased, use additional contraception until the end of the course;
the last few tablets or “pacifiers” - you can not take the missed one, but wait 7 days and start a new pack.

Detailed article: violation of the regimen for taking birth control pills.

Skipping birth control twice within a month is dangerous; the chance of getting pregnant increases significantly.

Incorrect selection of contraception

A woman can become pregnant with hormonal birth control pills if the drug is chosen incorrectly. Each age has its own optimal combinations. For young nulliparous girls, the following are recommended:

Jess;
Jess plus;
Lindinet 20.

Yarina and Yarina-Plus, Rigevidon, Belara are used in older women. Lactinet or Charozetta are selected for nursing mothers. The main component that the doctor focuses on is gestagen. It should not be in too high a dosage, but a significant reduction will lead to a lack of contraceptive effect.

Digestive disorder

Pregnancy after taking birth control pills can occur if a woman experiences vomiting or diarrhea within a few hours of taking the dose.

It takes up to 2 hours for the drug to dissolve and be completely absorbed , but this process can be affected by food and slow it down a little.

Therefore, those who experience indigestion or diarrhea after drinking the tablet need to take OK again.

Taking certain medications

Metabolism of hormones occurs in the liver under the influence of the cytochrome P450 system, microsomal oxidation. Some substances can speed it up and slow it down. The following drugs reduce the contraceptive effect:

containing St. John's wort;
Phenytoin;
barbiturates;
Griseofulvin;
Carbamazepine;
Rifampicin.

Medicines used to treat HIV can either speed up or slow down the metabolism of COCs.

Alcohol consumption

Drinking alcoholic beverages in small doses that do not lead to alcohol intoxication is safe. Frequent alcohol abuse helps accelerate microsomal oxidation in the liver and reduces the protective effect.

A woman can become pregnant a few days immediately after stopping birth control if she frequently drank alcohol before. But this can affect the condition of the fetus more than the effect of hormones. Ethanol has a proven teratogenic effect, leading to impaired fetal formation and severe developmental defects.

Read more about the compatibility of birth control and alcohol here.

Symptoms of pregnancy when taking ok

When taking birth control pills, you may experience pregnancy symptoms that are less severe than in ordinary women. The following signs should alert you:

absence of menstruation, which previously came 2 days after discontinuation of the OC;
engorgement of the mammary glands, their increased sensitivity;
feeling of weakness, increased fatigue.

Changes in taste, appetite, nausea and signs of toxicosis are not typical for the first week or two of pregnancy; these signs appear somewhat later.

When taking OK, the pregnancy test will be positive if conception has occurred. A weakly positive result appears when the embryo attaches ectopically.

Consequences for the fetus

The gestagen contained in COCs differs in structure and does not transfer the uterine mucosa to the secretory phase. Therefore, the embryo is less closely connected to the uterus, and in the early stages there will be a threat of abortion. To eliminate it, the doctor will prescribe drugs with progesterone Duphaston, Utrozhestan. They will allow the embryo to strengthen and the placenta to form. But symptoms of threatened miscarriage may persist until 20 weeks and later.

The state of the vaginal flora may also change towards the development of dysbiosis and candidiasis. Therefore, if pregnancy occurs after stopping birth control pills, a smear and appropriate treatment are needed.

What to do if you become pregnant while taking COCs

Doctors recommend that if signs of pregnancy appear while taking OK, you should not start the next package, but stop taking it. To confirm conception, you need to take a pregnancy test.

It will show a positive result if the delay is more than 2 days. If suspicion arises before the package of tablets is completed, you can take a blood test for hCG.

This hormone is found only in pregnant women and is detected within a few days after fertilization.

Once pregnancy is confirmed, a decision must be made to continue or terminate it. Hormones do not have a proven teratogenic effect, but can affect pregnancy.

Therefore, the doctor will prescribe special maintenance therapy to maintain pregnancy. You can give birth after taking oral contraceptives through natural means.

Those who decide to terminate it will be offered medical abortion as the safest method.

Source: https://ProKontraceptivi.ru/pill/mozhno-li-zaberemenet-prinimaya-ok/

Causes of pregnancy while taking birth control pills

Compliance with the recommendations in the instructions for oral contraceptives reliably protects against conception. Pregnancy while taking birth control pills occurs if a woman violates the regimen and dosage and skips pills. The effectiveness is reduced when using certain medications that affect the hepatic metabolism of hormones. Women who have chosen this method of protection against unplanned conception should try to eliminate factors that affect contraceptive properties.

First cycle of taking COCs without additional protection

Those who have just started using oral contraceptives need to be careful. The pills are taken from the first day of menstruation, and within seven days the protective effect should develop. But in some cases, the body needs a period of adaptation to birth control .
During this period, the work of the pituitary gland and ovaries is reconstructed, the production of its own hormones is suppressed, and the body gets used to the new state. Violating the dosage regimen at the very beginning of the course is dangerous. Doctors recommend using additional means to prevent pregnancy from occurring while taking birth control pills. The recommendation is especially relevant for women who have not previously used contraceptives, as well as in the postpartum period, if COCs were started before the onset of menstruation.

Pass

the beginning of the course - there is a high chance of pregnancy, you need to take the missed pill and use condoms for a long time;
graying of the package - the risk of getting pregnant is also increased, use additional contraception until the end of the course;
the last few tablets or “pacifiers” - you can not take the missed one, but wait 7 days and start a new pack.

Skipping birth control twice within a month is dangerous; the chance of getting pregnant increases significantly.

Incorrect selection of contraception

A woman can become pregnant with hormonal birth control pills if the drug is chosen incorrectly. Each age has its own optimal combinations. For young nulliparous girls, the following are recommended:

Digestive disorder

Pregnancy after taking birth control pills can occur if a woman experiences vomiting or diarrhea within a few hours of taking the dose. It takes up to 2 hours for the drug to dissolve and be completely absorbed , but this process can be affected by food and slow it down a little. Therefore, those who experience indigestion or diarrhea after drinking the tablet need to take OK again.

Taking certain medications

containing St. John's wort;
Phenytoin;
barbiturates;
Griseofulvin;
Carbamazepine;
Rifampicin.

Medicines used to treat HIV can either speed up or slow down the metabolism of COCs.

Alcohol consumption

Why is pregnancy possible while taking birth control pills?

Oral contraceptives basically contain hormones that are similar in composition to those produced by the female body. The drugs affect the secretions produced by the cervix or the functioning of the ovaries. The former contain substances that make the secretion produced by the organ more viscous, preventing sperm from penetrating the female reproductive cell. The latter suppress ovulation, preventing the ovaries from working at full capacity.

This is what should happen ideally. But the human body is a thousand little things. And the effect of oral contraceptives on him does not always turn out as intended. Therefore, even manufacturers claim that the effectiveness level of tablets is no more than 99%. Pregnancy while taking birth control is possible:

If a woman suffers from a gastrointestinal disease. These ailments, when aggravated, are manifested by vomiting and diarrhea. In both cases, the taken pill may not have time to have its effect before it is already eliminated from the body;
When other medications are taken at the same time that neutralize the effect of contraceptives. These include antibiotics, antifungals, allergy and seizure compounds. Even seemingly harmless herbal infusions and teas can reduce the contraceptive capabilities of birth control pills. Many of the medicinal plants affect the body some time after the end of taking medications based on them;
If a woman simply forgot to take a pill or took it late. Most oral contraceptives are used strictly on time. It's not just about days, but also hours. If the interval between doses is more than half a day, a surprise in the form of pregnancy is quite likely. It is also important to monitor the cyclical intake. After completing one course of tablets, the next one is usually started after 7 days. If this condition is not met, the concentration of hormones necessary for protection decreases, and the likelihood of unplanned conception increases.

Many people believe that they are sufficiently protected from unwanted pregnancy after taking the first dose of the drug. In fact, the initial stage of using OCs requires other methods of contraception. The most effective and expensive remedy is not magical, because suppressing ovulation requires prolonged exposure to the ovaries. As a rule, in the first cycle of taking oral contraceptives, barrier ones are also needed.

It’s worth saying right away that contraceptives during pregnancy add estrogen to the body, which it itself produces. The same applies to contraceptive drugs based on gestagens. And since the mentioned hormones are natural for the female body, choosing contraception on your own is very risky. There is a possibility that you will not guess correctly with the dosage of these substances and, instead of avoiding unwanted conception, you will increase your own chances of getting pregnant.

Symptoms of pregnancy when taking ok

When taking birth control pills, you may experience pregnancy symptoms that are less severe than in ordinary women. The following signs should alert you:

absence of menstruation, which previously came 2 days after discontinuation of the OC;
engorgement of the mammary glands, their increased sensitivity;
feeling of weakness, increased fatigue.

Changes in taste, appetite, nausea and signs of toxicosis are not typical for the first week or two of pregnancy; these signs appear somewhat later.

When taking OK, the pregnancy test will be positive if conception has occurred. A weakly positive result appears when the embryo attaches ectopically.

Consequences for the fetus

A woman can become pregnant after taking hormonal pills without harm to the fetus, but if she continues to take OCs, this increases the risk of negative consequences.
The main hormone responsible for preparing the body for implantation and subsequent development of the embryo is progesterone. Normally, it is secreted by the corpus luteum, but women using OCs do not have it. The gestagen contained in COCs differs in structure and does not transfer the uterine mucosa to the secretory phase. Therefore, the embryo is less closely connected to the uterus, and in the early stages there will be a threat of abortion. To eliminate it, the doctor will prescribe drugs with progesterone Duphaston, Utrozhestan. They will allow the embryo to strengthen and the placenta to form. But symptoms of threatened miscarriage may persist until 20 weeks and later.

Pathologies requiring hormone therapy

The health of the child depends on the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. During pregnancy, this organ “works for wear,” which leads to changes in its condition. Therefore, it is very important to prevent any deviations and failures.

To determine the stability of the thyroid gland, the doctor prescribes tests for thyroid hormones; after assessing the condition of the organ, L-thyroxine (or its analogue) can be prescribed to stabilize it, which is characterized by good compatibility with Duphaston and has no contraindications for use during pregnancy.

Important! Hormonal medications do not have a negative effect on the unborn child or the formation of the fetus. You should definitely take the drug prescribed by your gynecologist, and you should not interrupt the treatment yourself. Compliance with these rules will help prevent spontaneous miscarriage and normalize the concentration of the hormone progesterone in the blood.

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What to do if you become pregnant while taking COCs

Doctors recommend that if signs of pregnancy appear while taking OK, you should not start the next package, but stop taking it. To confirm conception, you need to take a pregnancy test. It will show a positive result if the delay is more than 2 days. If suspicion arises before the package of tablets is completed, you can take a blood test for hCG. This hormone is found only in pregnant women and is detected within a few days after fertilization.

Once pregnancy is confirmed, a decision must be made to continue or terminate it. Hormones do not have a proven teratogenic effect, but can affect pregnancy. Therefore, the doctor will prescribe special maintenance therapy to maintain pregnancy. You can give birth after taking oral contraceptives through natural means. Those who decide to terminate it will be offered medical abortion as the safest method.

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What to do if you become pregnant while taking OCs?

Research shows that taking oral contraceptives in early pregnancy does not harm the fetus. It's a good news. True, some studies have shown that premature birth, low birth weight or congenital problems with the urinary tract are possible, but all this is very rare.

In general, most contraceptives (OCs and IUDs) reduce the likelihood of ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg is implanted outside the uterus). But if pregnancy occurs while using them, then the risks of this pathology are higher than for those who did not use these drugs. An ectopic pregnancy is a serious and life-threatening complication and requires prompt medical attention.

The best thing to do if you suspect pregnancy is a home pregnancy test. If you get a positive result, stop taking birth control pills immediately. If the result is negative, consult your doctor for advice. You may want to stop taking the pills anyway, then you should use another form of contraception, such as a condom, until you get confirmation from your doctor.

Mechanism of birth control pills

During pregnancy, a woman's body produces hormones - estrogen and progesterone, which help stop ovulation and prevent the maturation of the egg in the ovary. The same thing happens when taking oral contraceptives (OCs), since they also contain the necessary hormones, albeit obtained synthetically.

Hormonal contraceptives perform the following tasks:

prevent ejaculate from entering the uterus, causing contractions of its cervix;
inhibit the development of the egg in the ovary, so the ovulatory period does not occur.

Oral contraceptives are highly effective, but you should visit a gynecologist before using them. The specialist will select the required type of tablets, taking into account possible contraindications and side effects.

There are two types of hormonal pills:

Mini-pills - inhibit ovulation and cause thickening of cervical mucus, contain prostagene. You should drink from the first days of the menstrual cycle at the same time, without missing a dose.
Potent OCs contain estrogen, which completely stops the onset of ovulation due to the immaturity of the egg.

Reliability

According to recent health research, OCs protect against unwanted pregnancy in almost a hundred out of a hundred cases. Reliability is 97-99.7%. But pills cannot protect against various types of sexually transmitted diseases. If a woman is dating several partners, it is better to protect herself by using condoms. Hormonal drugs are better suited for married couples who are in no hurry to have children.

What are the consequences if you miss taking a birth control pill?

The main consequences of a missed dose of an oral contraceptive (OC) are possible pregnancy and the so-called withdrawal syndrome. Moreover, the likelihood of their occurrence depends on the type of contraceptive pills used, the day of the cycle and the number of missed pills.

There are two main types of oral contraceptives - combined, consisting of the hormones progestin and estrogen, and gestagenic, which contain only a minimal amount of synthetic progestogen or desogestrel (mini-pill).

Unwanted pregnancy is a problem that can be avoided by using oral contraceptives

Do the consequences of missing a pill depend on the type of OC?

If you take combined oral contraceptives, you are most likely to become pregnant if you start taking the pills too late (not on the first day of your period) or stop taking them too early. By the way, if there are 28 tablets in the package, and the last few pieces are white, skipping them most likely will not harm you in any way, because they usually do not contain the hormone. These are so-called placebos - pills that are added simply so that you do not miss the start of taking a new package, calculating the period between cycles.

If you do not take one tablet of the combined OC during the first week of taking the drug, there is a high risk of egg release from the uterus. And it will persist for the next seven days. In the second and third weeks, there is almost no danger of getting pregnant if you miss one pill.

If you take the minipill, you should do so at the same time every day. In the case where the tablet consists of a progestin, and the deviation in the schedule is more than 2-3 hours, pregnancy may occur. The same consequence will occur if you are more than 12 hours overdue in taking the mini-pill with desogestrel.

Each tablet of combined oral contraceptives contains a different combination of hormones corresponding to the day of the cycle, but the mini-pill consists of a fixed dose of the active substance

What is withdrawal syndrome and how does it manifest itself?

Stopping birth control pills is a real hormonal shock for a woman’s body. Because of it, a whole complex of symptoms can appear, generally called “withdrawal syndrome”:

menstrual flow is delayed, although many gynecologists claim that if a woman had a regular cycle before starting to take OCs, it will not be disrupted due to discontinuation of the pills. But in any case, if there is a delay, you need to take a pregnancy test and consult a doctor;
mood swings, which is due to the sudden disappearance of hormones already familiar to the body;
the menstrual cycle changes - it may become longer or shorter. And if it becomes shorter than 21 days or more than 36, you should go to the gynecologist;
pain occurs in the lower abdomen, usually associated with restoration of ovarian function. However, after some time, the vigorous activity of these organs returns to normal and does not require medical intervention.
acne and pimples appear, hair and skin become oilier.

One of the manifestations of withdrawal syndrome is the profuse appearance of purulent acne on the face due to hormonal imbalance.

When the doctor prescribed Regulon birth control pills to me after uterine bleeding, I thought that now all my problems would be solved. However, already on the first day of taking it, I realized that I was mistaken - an hour after I took the pill, I began to feel sick and vomit, diarrhea began, and so on for 3-4 hours. Of course, it was impossible to quit, after that I drank Regulon for three months, during which time I gained five kilograms, became a whiny hysteric, quarreled with a young man, because... I hated sex and suffered from constant chest pain. It is clear that, after taking the prescribed pills for three months, I forgot about them, like a bad dream. But my cycle was erratic and remained so until the birth of my first child.

Causes of unwanted pregnancy

Even if you take birth control following your doctor's instructions, there is still a risk of getting pregnant. This happens for a number of reasons related to the characteristics of the human body.

Skipping a pill

It is rightly named the most common culprit in unwanted pregnancy. Experts strongly advise drinking strictly one tablet every day, at the same time.

In practice, girls often forget, or due to some circumstances beyond their control, miss taking the drug. A missed period threatens that the egg may mature and travel from the ovaries to the uterus.

Taking antibiotics

Bactericidal medications can blunt the effect of hormonal contraceptives. It is better to suspend antibiotic therapy during the course of taking contraceptives, otherwise the risk of conceiving a child will be quite high. Or you can use barrier contraception methods at this time.

Alcohol

Alcohol is known to have a negative impact on human health in general. Women, especially young girls, should definitely not overindulge in drinking strong drinks. Drinking alcohol, even in small quantities, can reduce the effect of the birth control pill.

Indigestion

Before taking oral contraceptives, girls should be examined for gastrointestinal diseases.

You should not take tablets if you notice the following symptoms of digestive disorders:

diarrhea, diarrhea;
heartburn, bloating;
nausea, vomiting;
constipation;
frequent belching, pain and a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen.

It takes 3 to 5 hours for the pill to be absorbed by the body. If during this time you notice signs of indigestion, such as vomiting, then there is a chance that the pill will not work properly.

Other reasons

Many representatives of the fair half of humanity torture themselves with various diets, drink teas for weight loss, and various herbal decoctions. While taking pills, it is better to avoid such tea drinking, as there is a risk that the contraceptive will be excreted from the body along with harmful substances. It is best not to use traditional medicine at all, especially decoctions and tinctures, while taking OK.

Other factors that may cause pregnancy even if you take birth control pills include:

The use of medications for mycoses, seizures and inflammation. By analogy with antibiotic therapy, the effect of a contraceptive may be dulled.
Sex in the first days of using birth control pills - the effect of the pills may not occur immediately, so it is better to additionally protect yourself with condoms in the first week of the course.
Incorrect dosage - a specialist will determine the correct dose of the hormone; contact your gynecologist before therapy. If you choose the wrong remedy and make a mistake with the dosage, you can easily become pregnant.
Decadent moods, stress, blues will reduce the effectiveness of hormonal drugs. Depression is the rarest culprit of all the listed reasons for pregnancy while taking birth control pills. But if it is, you should take sedatives at the same time, after consulting with your doctor.

Symptoms of pregnancy while taking OCs

Three weeks is how long the course of contraceptive hormonal drugs lasts. Upon completion of therapy, a woman may experience discharge resembling menstrual bleeding. A week passes and the spotting disappears, then you can use OK again.

Concern affects girls only in cases where there is no discharge at the end of the course.

Then you need to take a closer look at the main symptoms of pregnancy:

the breasts have enlarged, there is a feeling that the bra has become small;
darkening of the area around the nipples (turns brown);
indifference to everything around you, constant desire to sleep, fatigue;
nipple hypersensitivity;
frequent nighttime urge to go to the toilet;
vomiting, nausea, constipation;
basal temperature is higher than normal and does not subside for a long time;
the appearance of bitterness in the mouth after eating;
appetite increases sharply or disappears completely;
libido increases;
a rash appears on the skin;
I'm worried about increased irritability.

It is possible that the above effects can be caused by taking hormonal contraceptives, but you should not delude yourself about this.

Fertilization can be judged based on a set of symptoms. There is no need to sound the alarm if your weight has increased sharply, acne or nausea have appeared. It is better to do an ultrasound, take a blood test and take a pregnancy test to make sure there is a fetus in the womb.

Some girls do not pay attention to the signs of pregnancy, continuing to take pills and thinking that this will cause a miscarriage. This opinion is wrong; at best, the pregnant woman will get away with hormonal imbalances, but it will not be possible to terminate the pregnancy.

Signs of pregnancy while taking oral contraceptives

They can be difficult to identify because many contraceptive side effects are similar to signs of pregnancy. The only sure way to tell whether you are pregnant or not is to take a pregnancy test. Women who use oral contraceptives may sometimes miss their periods. In addition, hormones sometimes make you feel nauseous, light discharge or spotting may appear in the middle of the cycle. However, there is no way to know whether this is a side effect of contraception or conception. Birth control pills can also cause breast tenderness, increased sense of smell, and mood swings. If you are taking OCs and suspect you are pregnant, contact your doctor or take a pregnancy test at home to avoid complications.

Rules for using OK

It is worth agreeing with the experts: hormonal pills are highly reliable and almost never fail. The package usually contains 21 pills, but there are packs with 28 tablets; you need to drink them strictly every day, preferably at the same time.

There are other rules for using OK, for example:

The ideal first day of use is the first day of menstruation. You can use hormonal contraceptives the day after an abortion; there are no contraindications for this.
You need to take the tablets during meals so as not to provoke vomiting or intestinal upset.
Having started a course of using OK, you must additionally protect yourself with condoms for the first 7-14 days.
After drinking the last (21st pill), you should stop taking OK for 7 days, then a new course begins, on the 8th day, no later.
Pay attention to the appearance of bloody discharge during the 7-day break. If they are not there, then you should take a pregnancy test and be examined by a gynecologist (conception may have occurred).
During the week-long break, be sure to use condoms.
For diarrhea, diarrhea, vomiting, you should take 1 additional tablet after 10-12 hours from the last dose, then return to the usual schedule of using OK.
If you forget to take the pills for 2 days in a row, you should pause further use for a week, then start again, protecting yourself with condoms in the first days.
If OCs are used in parallel with other medications, be sure to consult your doctor to determine drug compatibility.
A package of 28 tablets must be taken continuously, without taking a seven-day pause between doses.

What to do if you miss a birth control pill

Depending on which oral contraceptives you take, your plan for dealing with a missed dose will be dramatically different.

What to do if you miss a mini-pill dose

Mini-pills should be taken at the same time of day. And, as mentioned above, if more than three or twelve hours have passed after the desired period (depending on the type of OC), there is a high chance of becoming pregnant. If you are overdue for more than the allowed period, take 2 tablets on the same day - the first as soon as you remember, and the second as scheduled. The day after you missed it, you can start taking the mini-pills again as scheduled, but if you take the 3-hour pills, you will have to protect yourself with a condom or diaphragm for two more days from the time you missed them. When choosing 12-hour mini-pills, after taking the missed pill, take additional protection for another 7 days.

If a woman has missed taking more than two tablets of any contraceptive, stop taking OK until the next menstruation begins and then start a new package, throwing away the old one.

Scheme for discontinuing OK during pregnancy

If signs of pregnancy appear while using OCs, do not panic, especially if the woman has decided to keep the baby. Contraceptives will not harm the fetus or affect the baby's health.

Having learned about fertilization, you must immediately stop taking combined hormonal pills and go to the gynecologist.

But not all girls pay attention to the symptoms of conception and continue to take contraceptives. In such situations, there is a possibility of harm to the embryo, but it all depends on the duration of use of the pills.

After stopping the use of OCs, time must pass for reproductive function to recover.

The longer a girl takes the pills, the longer she will have to wait for the onset of ovulation and restoration of ovarian function.

When is abortion indicated?

Using OCs will definitely not harm the child’s health in the first 35 days from the moment of conception. Closer to the 6th week of pregnancy, the embryo’s genitals form, then you should not take pills, but it is not necessary to have an abortion.

Artificial termination of pregnancy is indicated for:

the presence of chronic and infectious diseases in the pregnant woman;
teratogenic effects (harmful physical or chemical factors) on the embryo;
stress, depression.

Consequences for the woman and fetus

It is necessary to stop taking contraceptives during pregnancy, since conception has already occurred and there is no need to continue taking pills. Complex oral contraceptives (COCs) do not pose a serious threat to the fetus. Scientists have not identified a direct connection between the use of hormonal drugs and pregnancy complications.

Long-term use of COCs (for several years) can sometimes lead to infertility - this is the only negative consequence for women that is possible with protection with hormonal pills.

do not lead to miscarriages;
do not cause inhibition of embryo development.

Long-term use of birth control pills

On the issue of a break during a long period (more than a year) of taking hormonal contraceptives, doctors have different opinions. One half of obstetricians and gynecologists believe that it is necessary to take a break for 3-6 months after one and a half to two years of use, explaining that the body must take a break from hormones coming from outside, since long-term continuous use of pills can lead to suppression of ovarian function. Another part of gynecologists argues that there is no need to take a break, motivating their opinion by the fact that the body has only “tuned in” to a certain rhythm, and a break will lead to a cycle failure.

Taking into account the research conducted and the emerging new generations of hormonal contraceptives, we can confidently say that the absence of breaks in taking birth control pills does not affect the occurrence of complications and the restoration of reproductive function after their discontinuation.

But in any case, regardless of whether a break is taken or not, the woman must be examined by a gynecologist every six months and undergo the necessary tests (cytology smear and coagulogram).

And only in some cases, a break in taking hormonal contraceptives is not taken at all. These include: taking the pill after having both ovaries removed (during childbearing age), endometriosis and severe hormonal disorders (for example, amenorrhea).

Reviews

I've been taking Yarina for over a year, it helps, I haven't found any side effects. An excellent way to protect yourself from unplanned conception; a better one has not yet been invented.

I consulted a gynecologist before starting to use hormonal medications. The doctor prescribed Novinet, I’ve been taking it for 5 months now, I’ve gained a little weight, and haven’t found any other side effects.

I used to use a spiral, but I learned from my friends about Jess’s “magic” pills. After talking with the doctor, I decided to take pills to protect myself, but I kept forgetting to take them. The result is two stripes on the test. My husband and I decided to give birth, and a healthy girl was born, although I still took pills for three weeks until I found out I was pregnant. You can find out about placenta previa during pregnancy by following this link.