Can I Get Pregnant Under Birth Control? - Arva Health
Written by
Arva Health Team
09-Mar-2024
Birth Control and Pregnancy: All You Need To Know
Hormonal birth control (HBC) is one of the most popular and effective contraceptive methods that exist today.
And if you’ve been on the pill, patch or injection for a while, it’s normal to feel worried about how your body will bounce back, especially if you’re thinking about trying to conceive.
Let’s address the elephant in the room first — there is no evidence to support any long-term effects of hormonal birth control on fertility.
But to understand how it can affect you in the short-term, let’s figure out how exactly hormonal birth control works with your body.
Let’s dive in!
How does hormonal birth control work?
The magic word to understand with hormonal contraception is ✨Ovulation Suppression ✨.
These pills, patches or injections use a combination of different hormones to disrupt the natural ebb and flow of your reproductive hormones.
Some are progesterone-only pills, while others are made with a mix of oestrogen and progesterone. But they all prevent the maturation of eggs in your ovaries, and thus, prevent ovulation. If there’s no egg to fertilise, the sperm will eventually just be flushed out of your system.
Some types of contraception can also thicken your cervical mucus, making it much more difficult for the sperm to swim through into the fallopian tubes — like a sticky security guard at the gates of your uterus.
Can I get pregnant if I miss my birth control?
So, you missed a hormonal pill.
First, take a deep breath. That’s okay. After all, we’re human!
Second, for the news. There is a chance that you can get pregnant if you miss one pill.
It also depends on the type of pill.
If you’re taking birth control that’s a combination of estrogen and progesterone, don’t worry. Missing one pill won’t undo the effects of the pills you’ve taken so far. You can take another immediately, even if it means taking two pills a day.
But if you’re on progesterone only pills, there’s a smaller window of protection compared to the former.
So if you’re not planning to get pregnant, we suggest another form of birth control, immediately, such as condoms!
When will my periods come back after I stop taking the pill?
We often get asked if your periods start rightaway post stopping hormonal pills.
And the short answer is no — like with any medication, there is a short recalibration period during which your body’s natural hormone levels are restored.
It can take sometime for your periods to come back after you stop taking the pill.
During this time, many women experience irregular periods, or even acne that doctors call ‘Post-Pill PCOS’. But with time, it will get back to normal.
Your periods may also be irregular for a bit as soon as you come off contraception, as the rate at which your body might recalibrate is different for different people. Some might be able to get pregnant within 48 hours of stopping the pill, but on average, it takes most people with ovaries 3-9 months to restore their inherent hormonal balance.
How do I know when my body is ready for pregnancy?
We really understand that this waiting might be a really frustrating period, especially if you want to get pregnant soon. That’s where tracking your menstrual cycle comes in.
It’s a great time to get into the habit of noticing menstrual patterns, and changes in your cervical mucus, so that you can clearly see the trajectory of your hormonal cycle and when you’ll start ovulating again. If you want more details on how to track your cycle and find your ovulation window, check out this blog.
But remember that factors like:
The type of contraceptive
How long you were taking it
Your age and medical history
Health and lifestyle
all play a role in your post-birth control fertility. Consulting a doctor or fertility expert to understand how long it could take, while identifying any other potential red flags can really help keep your peace of mind during this dreaded wait.
Arva’s take on birth control and pregnancy
Pregnancy and parenthood in general can be an exercise in learning how to be more patient with your body, and coming off birth control is no different.
Your journey won’t always be linear, and it helps to have your inner circle hold your hand along. Remember, if you need any help along the way, we’re there, a click away 🤎
Sources
FAQs
1. Is it possible to get pregnant while on birth control?
Yes, it is possible to get pregnant while on birth control, but the chances are very low. The effectiveness of different birth control methods varies, with some being more effective than others. For example, the birth control pill, when taken perfectly, is over 99% effective, but typical use effectiveness is around 91%. This means that about 9 out of every 100 women who use the pill will get pregnant each year due to forgetting to take a pill or taking them inconsistently.
2. Can birth control stop pregnancy?
Yes, birth control is designed to prevent pregnancy. It works in several ways, depending on the method. Some methods, like the birth control pill and patch, contain hormones that prevent ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary). Others, like condoms and diaphragms, create a physical barrier that prevents sperm from reaching the egg.
3. How effective is the birth control pill?
The birth control pill is a very effective method of preventing pregnancy, with a typical use effectiveness of around 91%. However, it is important to remember that no birth control method is 100% effective. To maximize the effectiveness of the pill, it is important to take it exactly as directed every day.
4. How soon can I get pregnant once stopping contraception?
This varies depending on the type of birth control you were using. For some methods, you can start trying to conceive right away. However, it may take some time for your menstrual cycle to return to normal, and ovulation may not occur right away. It’s best to track your cycles post getting off contraception and checking for your fertile window.
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