Is it possible to get pregnant if you take birth control pills? Is it necessary to take additional protection during the 7-day break?

11/03/2003, Oxtata
On your advice, I took Silest, but my breasts constantly hurt and were enlarged (I’m already size 3.5). I decided to change to Regulon after a 7-day break. But I started taking it on Wednesday (as in Sileste) and not from the beginning of the package (I forgot). Then I noticed that the tablets in the pack were labeled differently (P6, PG). Now I have taken about 10 tablets, my breasts have not enlarged and they do not hurt. Do you think the sequence of taking pills for Regulon is important or not? Does each tablet contain the same dose? After all, the drug is monophasic. Is contraception followed in this case? The tablets were taken at the same time.

You judged absolutely correctly, all tablets of the monophasic drug are the same, the numbering is done for the order of administration.

03/11/2003, Anonymous
After the 1st month of taking Zhanina, she took a 7-day break. My period started on the 2nd day and ended on the 5th. On the 6th and 7th days of the break, she had an active sex life without protection. On the 8th day I started taking the 2nd pack of Janine. Is it possible to get pregnant during a break between taking another pack of OK???

No, it is not possible to get pregnant during a break, since the contraceptive effect of OK is valid both on the days of taking and on the days of the break. No additional contraception is required.

03/11/2003, Natalya
I am 26 years old, I have a child. On the advice of my gynecologist, I have been taking Tri-Mercy for 3 months. In the middle of the cycle, my chest hurts every time, my libido has decreased. There are no other side effects. Please tell me whether it’s worth switching to Novinet or something else, or is it just the body “getting used to it” and everything will pass. Why are triphasic drugs preferable to monophasic ones and what is better for a woman of my age?

The phenomena you described are, unfortunately, characteristic of all birth control pills. Monophasic drugs are better tolerated. Regulon is suitable for a woman who has given birth.

11/03/2003, Olga
After giving birth, I can’t use OK because I always forget to take the pill. The gynecologist advises using Depo-Provera. But there is a negative opinion about them - they gain weight, menstruation stops, they are restored only within a year, and they may not recover. What can you recommend?

There is no third. Either pills, or long-term contraception (with Depo-Provera or Norplant) with the absence of menstruation and their further long-term recovery. I would still recommend Regulon tablets, specially designed for women who have given birth. They are taken before bed, so put the pack on your night table and don’t forget to take it.

11/03/2003, Alexey
Is it even possible to use hormonal pills for thin vein walls in the legs? What are the main differences between Novinet and Tri-Mercy? Is it worth switching to Novinet if Tri-Mercy has been taken for a year without any consequences? And is price an indicator of quality: Tri-Mercy 1x21~250r., Novinet 3x21~400r.

Tri-Mercy is the German company Schering, and Novinet is the Hungarian Gedeon-Richter. Why change the drug if it works? If it's a financial issue, then it's understandable. The monophasic drug is better tolerated because the pattern of its effect on the body is stable. Regarding veins in your legs, consult your doctor.

11/03/2003, Anastasia
I decided to take Silest. I haven’t given birth, I haven’t had any abortions, I’ve had regular sex life since I was 18 years old. I had a bend in my gallbladder, but at the last ultrasound they said that it was straightening out, everything was returning to normal. Chronic gastritis. Strong immunity. Slightly higher. pressure Herpes for colds on the lips (face). I can easily endure pain. I'm instantly losing extra pounds. (Have you heard that this is typical for men?) I have a thin build - broad shoulders, small breasts (began to develop at 12 - finished at 14 years old). Weak nails, hair, bad skin. At 13-17 years old - acne, blackheads: face, chest, back Now they have appeared. rarely - only on the back, and on the face - constant irritation, acne, spots from old ones; and on the back there are deep scar changes, cat. don't pass. Hirsutism. The hair on the buttocks, stomach (all) is black and coarse, on the arms, all the legs and a little on the back - dark and thick, masculine type. Hirsutism began to manifest itself at the age of 17: swelling on the stomach and upper parts of the legs, doubled in the arms. The antennae are not very noticeable. Possible heredity. The skin color is white, and on the inner thighs and b. labia - dark! Menstruation is delayed by 5-7 days, no more. (3 times were 7,8 and 10 days) The cycle is set for 2-3 months, then there is a delay. Menses are of average abundance. At 14-17 years old at one month. There was terrible pain - once I even fainted. From 18 years old it’s tolerable. Sometimes before menstruation, white, thick, odorless discharge appears. High sex. temperament. Ultrasound internal organs at the gynecologist - diagnosis: healthy. I also have duodenal dysmenorrhea, cholestasis and hypotension. As a child, I only suffered from scarlet fever. Dear doctor! I'm already desperate. You are my last hope, because I couldn’t get a single clear answer from the gynecologist. Unfortunately, I don’t have the slightest financial opportunity to come to you for a consultation... Please answer my questions: 1. Is SILEST suitable for me? Are all of the above symptoms not contraindications? 2. Why did hirsutism begin to manifest itself so sharply at the age of 17? And deep subcutaneous acne? Is this a violation? Could strong UV radiation have affected this? 3. Is my thyroid gland sick? If so, what symptoms would there be?

We need to remember if, at the age of 14-17, you had severe stress, a head blow or other injury, or if you suddenly lost weight. Any of these factors could cause the release of the stress hormone Prolactin, which inhibits the functioning of the ovaries (delayed menstruation), provokes the release of male hormones, which are associated with acne, hirsutism, and increased libido. It is necessary to take hormonal tests for prolactin, cortisol, testosterone, DHEA-S. Based on the results of these tests, treatment can be prescribed.

11/03/2003, Svetlana
I’m 27, I don’t have children yet (I plan in about a year), I took Tri-Regol for 5 years and was absolutely satisfied. Only in the last 2 years she has gained a fair amount of weight (with a height of 154 cm - from 52 to 55 kg). When I discovered that my beloved Tri-Regol had disappeared from all the pharmacies in the city, I had to urgently come up with a replacement. Is Novinette a good option in my case? Wouldn't a microdose be enough for contraception for an organism accustomed to medium doses of hormones? Is it normal to switch from a three-phase drug to a multi-phase one? When taking Novinette on the 8th day after Tri-Regol, are additional precautions needed during the first cycle?

It is necessary to use additional protective measures for 10 days until you do an ultrasound on the 10-11th tablet and make sure that there are no follicles in the ovaries and that the endometrial layer is thin. Novinet is not multiphase, but monophasic.

12/03/2003, Natasha
My friend is due to give birth the other day, this is her first pregnancy, she is 23 years old. Which contraceptive pill is suitable for her? According to all the tests she has taken, everything is normal, she has no illnesses and the pregnancy itself is going well.

The only drug that is suitable for a nursing mother, who will become your friend after childbirth, is Exluton. After giving birth, you must abstain from sexual activity for 6-7 weeks. Then you can start taking OK along with the beginning of intimacy. The tablets are microdosed and do not affect the quantity and quality of breast milk or the development of the baby.

12/03/2003, Irina
I have been taking Tri-Mercy for a year. At the same time, I gained about 10 kg in weight. I exercise 2-3 times a week, and try to limit myself in food. Could this be caused by the use of the drug? What hormones need to be tested for to check this.

Take hormonal tests for testosterone, cortisol and prolactin. But a month before this, you need to stop taking Tri-Mercy tablets (be sure to use condoms during sexual activity). You can take tests from me.

03/12/2003, Anonymous
I have a question, on the 18th tablet of the first cycle of Novinet I had unprotected intercourse, after 20 minutes I took the 19th tablet, is there a risk of getting pregnant.

The body has already adapted to hormones and there will be no pregnancy. Don't worry.

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Is it possible to get pregnant while taking birth control pills? Many women wonder. It is believed that this method of protection is the most effective. But there are a number of factors when medications don't work. To understand the reasons for the occurrence of such a pregnancy, you need to know how the oral method of protection works.

The process of conception and the effect of the medicine

For conception to occur, ovulation must occur. A woman’s entire menstrual cycle depends on the functioning of the hormonal system. The first phase is the preparatory stage. The body is preparing for a possible pregnancy. The growth of the dominant follicle occurs under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone. The follicle continues to grow until the middle of the menstrual cycle. From this moment on, the luteinizing substance comes into play. Under its influence, the dominant breaks down. The ovulatory period begins. This time is considered the most favorable to get pregnant.

The action of birth control pills is based on blocking the work of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormone.

Most tablets contain ethinyl estradiol. This is a hormonal substance that increases the content of its own estrogen in the body. The rise of estrogen blocks the production of FSH. The dominant follicle does not appear on the ovary. Ovulation does not occur. For this reason, the chance of conceiving is reduced.

There are two main groups of contraceptives:

• blocking ovulation;
• increasing the viscosity of cervical secretions.

The main group of tablets eliminates ovulation. During the cycle there is no middle and second phase. After stopping their use, the phases are restored. Less popular are mini-pills. These pills cause a change in cervical mucus. It becomes thicker. Sperm that enter the vagina cannot move freely in the secretion. The likelihood of pregnancy decreases.

This method is believed to be the most effective. But it also has a number of disadvantages. It is thanks to them that there is a chance of getting pregnant while taking birth control pills.

Rules for taking medications

For protection to be effective, you must follow the rules of admission. They are specified in the instructions for use. These rules help you avoid problems.

All oral contraceptives must be taken at a specific time. Doctors recommend setting an alarm or reminder so you don't forget about your appointment. Skipping pills is not allowed. If within 12 hours a woman remembers about missing the pills, she needs to take it. Further appointments are carried out at the usual time.

The first package has a specific method of application. The first tablet is taken on days 2–5 of the cycle. Taking the drug must be accompanied by additional methods of protection. Additional contraception is necessary due to the cumulative effect. Ovulation blocking occurs only in the absence of FSH. The next package should be taken after a seven-day break.

The selection of tablets should be carried out by a doctor. The specialist will take into account the patient’s health characteristics and her hormonal levels. You should not choose a medicine on your own. This can negatively affect the hormonal and reproductive systems. It is better to entrust the choice to a doctor.

Reasons for conception

Pregnancy while taking birth control pills can only occur if there are certain reasons. The following reasons may be negative factors:

• non-compliance with instructions;
• presence of concomitant treatment;
• taking a mini-pill;
• consumption of herbal decoctions;
• gastrointestinal disorder;
• choosing the wrong pills.

Pregnancy with birth control pills often occurs due to non-compliance with the instructions. Many patients ignore additional protection in the first cycle. This leads to the development of ovulation. It may come faster. The lack of additional contraception leads to unplanned conception. The problem can also arise if you miss one tablet. Within 24 hours, the active substance is completely washed out of the body.

The reason may also be the presence of concomitant treatment. Some chemicals included in concomitant therapy may affect the way the contraceptive works. Such diseases include diabetes mellitus, endocrine pathologies, and gastrointestinal ailments. Treatment of these pathologies involves the use of hormonal substances and adsorbents. Ethinyl estradiol is not absorbed in the required amount. The concentration of the hormone in the body is small. If follicle-stimulating hormone begins to act, there is a risk of maintaining ovulation. A woman can become pregnant during such a cycle.

Conception can also occur when using the mini-pill. These tablets do not have a detrimental effect on ovulation. Hormonal levels remain at the same level. Cervical mucus undergoes changes. Drinking alcohol, vigorous physical activity and smoking can reduce the viscosity of secretions. Pregnancy can also occur under severe psychological stress. The release of an additional portion of hormones causes the channel to expand. Sperm can pass through it quickly.

What you need to know

Taking herbal decoctions can have a negative effect on the effect of drugs. A decoction of St. John's wort, tansy and diuretics can reduce the activity of the contraceptive. The main problems arise when using diuretics. These drugs enhance kidney function. They begin to remove excess fluid from the body faster. An increase in daily diuresis leads to rapid leaching of the active substance. The contraceptive loses its effect.

Gastrointestinal upset may reduce the activity of the tablets. Such diseases cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Vomiting within two hours after taking the pills reduces the contraceptive effect to a minimum. Diarrhea also causes fluid loss. The kidneys increase their work. The absorption function of the intestine is lost. If the listed problems occur while taking these medications, the drug may not work. Also, a problem may arise due to the treatment of such diseases. In many cases, enveloping and adsorbing substances are prescribed. The first remedies form a film on the inside of the stomach and intestines. The contraceptive cannot be absorbed into the bloodstream. The second group of substances removes harmful substances from the body. With harmful substances from the stomach, the necessary drug is also eliminated. The desired effect is not observed.

The hormonal background of women is individual. If the patient takes the drug with the wrong dosage, ovulation will not be suppressed. In such women, fertility is maintained while taking contraceptives. It is necessary to contact a specialist to change the medication.

Actions upon conception

Some women come to the doctor complaining that they became pregnant while taking the pills. Experts advise monitoring the condition of the body and signs of unexpected conception. The following symptoms should cause alarm:

• absence of menstrual-like bleeding;
• swelling of the mammary glands;
• pain in the lower part of the pubis.

If a woman has these symptoms, she needs to do a test. The appearance of two stripes on it is a positive answer. A doctor's help is needed.

If pregnancy occurs, it is necessary to determine whether the drug harmed the baby. Doctors do not advise a woman to immediately resort to an abortion. Many modern contraceptives do not have a negative effect on the child in the first weeks of pregnancy. If the reception was long, you need to undergo additional medical examination.

If a woman is wondering whether it is possible to get pregnant while taking birth control pills, she needs to know which medications to take. To select the right product, you need to visit a doctor. He will take a medical history. The choice of product depends on several factors:

• patient's age;
• health features;
• presence of previous pregnancies.

The younger the woman, the lower the dosage of ethinyl estradiol she needs. The division occurs at 20, 30 and 40 years. After 20 years, there are often no early pregnancies or abortions. Hormonal levels are at their peak during this period. A woman needs only a small dose of a hormonal substance. After 30 years, the dose must be increased. You should reconsider your usual pills. After 40 years, hormonal levels become unstable again. It is necessary to select combination pills to prevent conception.

The presence of health problems should also be taken into account. The selection of tablets is carried out depending on the presence of various pathologies. For this purpose, the doctor collects an anamnesis. Based on this, you can choose the most suitable means of protection.

Also, the selection of contraceptives depends on the presence of previous pregnancies and abortions. If the patient has a previous pregnancy, regardless of age, a higher dosage is needed. The body has been prepared. Hormonal levels change. Protection must be more thorough. Abortion is a negative procedure for the patient’s hormonal levels. Abrupt intervention in the preparatory processes leads to a temporary failure. For this purpose, you should take tablets with high dosages. The concentration can be reduced three cycles after the abortion. The drug is prescribed only by the attending physician. You should not self-medicate.

There are many birth control pills that are produced by modern pharmaceutical companies. The following medications are often prescribed: Lindinet-20, Regulon, Novinet, Zhanin, Yarina, Diane-35, Jess, Tri-Regol. They come in different dosages and have additional effects.

Other drugs

Lindinet-20 and Diane-35 have an androgenic effect. These medicinal substances help eliminate acne on the skin. These tablets are prescribed to girls with an unstable background. Taking Lindinet and Diane helps establish the hormonal system and treat acne. The drugs are also used to obtain a rebound effect. It is based on the elimination of infertility of unknown etiology. The girl should take the pills for three cycles and stop using them abruptly. There is a surge in hormonal levels. The ovaries begin to actively produce eggs. The long-awaited pregnancy is coming. Eliminates lindynet and increased hair growth of the skin. Testosterone levels drop. Excess hair on the halos, upper lip and belly falls out.

Regulon and tri-regol are used after the abortion procedure. They contain a large dose of ethinyl estradiol. It normalizes the functioning of the body. The background damage disappears. But these contraceptive pills also have the opposite effect. Some patients take them because of the low price. Under normal conditions, these substances can cause the ovaries to stop working. After stopping taking the pills, ovulation does not return. To awaken the activity of the ovaries, additional treatment with powerful hormonal drugs is prescribed.

If the patient has no contraindications, doctors prescribe Jess, Yarina and Zhanine. They contain a small amount of active ingredient. Adverse reactions to these tablets are rare. Most patients tolerate long-term use well.

The question is often asked: is it possible for a woman to take birth control pills to become pregnant? With proper use and choice of the drug, this phenomenon is not observed. If conception has occurred, you need to seek advice. Only a doctor will determine the reason for the lack of contraceptive action.

Pharmacies sell many different oral contraceptives that guarantee a high degree of protection against conception. A woman should select suitable pills with the help of a competent doctor, having first passed a series of hormone tests. It is highly undesirable to buy pills at your own discretion or on the advice of a friend, because... All contraceptives contain different doses of hormones, and you need to take them taking into account the individual characteristics of your reproductive system.

Mechanism of action of birth control pills

Contraceptive drugs inhibit reproductive function and prevent unwanted pregnancy. They contain hormones that block ovulation. Oral contraceptives (pills) work in two ways. The action of the first mechanism is aimed at suppressing the processes of egg maturation by estrogen hormones - the tablets prevent its release from the ovary. There is no ovulation.

The second mechanism of action of contraceptives is aimed at thickening the mucus in the cervix under the influence of artificial hormones contained in the medicine. When taking such tablets, the mucous secretion becomes very viscous and does not allow sperm to enter the uterine cavity. The hormones contained in oral contraceptives prevent the maturation of follicles, so the meeting of the egg with the male cell is impossible. If for some reason ovulation does occur, the corpus luteum will not develop, and the endometrial layer will not mature to a thickness sufficient for the attachment of the fertilized egg.

Features of taking medications

The contraceptive effect when taken lasts exactly one month, so to protect against pregnancy you need to take the pills monthly according to a specific schedule specified in the instructions. Each package contains 21 active pills, the tablets are numbered. The drug should be taken strictly from the first day of the menstrual cycle - 1 pill per day at the same time.

After 21 days, when all the tablets from the package are gone, take a 7-day break. During this period, the next menstrual flow should begin. You need to take the product from the next package 7 days after finishing the previous one. You should not skip taking the drug: if a woman forgets to take at least one pill on time, the risk of pregnancy increases, and conception may occur in the current month. If you miss even one pill before the end of the cycle, it is recommended to additionally protect yourself with barrier methods (condoms).

Is it possible to become pregnant while taking OK?

Is it possible to get pregnant while taking birth control pills, and what is the degree of protection against conception? Manufacturers of OCs claim that the effectiveness of drugs when used correctly is 99%, and if even one tablet is missed, the protective function of the drug completely disappears. Suppression of ovulation requires a long-term effect on the reproductive organs, therefore, in the first month of hormone therapy, the contraceptive effect of the drug is not maximum, and the likelihood of becoming pregnant remains even while taking pills.

Possible causes of unwanted pregnancy

There are cases when a woman becomes pregnant even though she has been taking birth control pills for a month, so the first month of using the pills requires the use of additional methods of contraception (condoms). Persistent suppression of ovarian function from OCs is achieved within 2-3 months of therapy.

Situations in which conception is possible while taking hormonal contraceptives:

• Gastrointestinal disorders and chronic gastrointestinal pathologies, manifested by vomiting. During repeated vomiting spasms, the pill taken may be eliminated from the body before it has time to dissolve in the stomach and exert its protective effect.
• Taking certain medications that reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Some antibiotics, anticonvulsants and antifungal drugs can weaken the contraceptive effect.
• Missing one tablet or starting the next pack at the wrong time. Oral contraceptives must be taken strictly at certain hours, for example, every evening at 21.00. A delay in taking the next pill by more than 8 hours reduces the contraceptive effect, and if there is a delay of 12 hours, it is recommended to use additional means of protection - condoms - until the end of the month. If there is a break of more than 7 days after the last pill taken, you should also additionally protect yourself with barrier agents.

Symptoms of pregnancy while taking birth control pills

Symptoms of pregnancy when using OCs are more smoothed out than when conceiving without medications. A pharmacy test may not show pregnancy in the first weeks, because... hormonal balance is changed. Some women do not notice any obvious signs of pregnancy, and the embryo is already developing in the womb, so at the slightest suspicion you need to visit a doctor and donate blood to determine the level of hCG. The main symptom of completed conception is delayed menstrual flow.

Common signs of pregnancy while taking birth control pills:

• Increased sensitivity of the mammary glands. The breast increases in size, swells, and is sometimes painful in the area around the nipple.
• Changes in the functioning of taste buds. New, sometimes strange, food preferences appear.
• Morning sickness and heartburn. The gag reflex during pregnancy on birth control is smoothed out and occurs only with severe overeating.
• Fast weight gain. In addition to increased appetite in the expectant mother, strong weight gain can be caused by the hormone estrogen itself contained in the pills.
• Vaginal discharge in the form of mucus in the first few days after fertilization of the egg. The mucus is thicker than during normal pregnancy due to the action of artificial hormones from the medication.
• Fatigue and excessive sleepiness.
• Increased work of sweat glands. The scalp becomes greasy, and acne may appear on the face - this is due to hormonal imbalance in the body and the work of artificial hormones contained in the medicine.

Pregnancy after taking oral contraceptives: likelihood of occurrence and difficulties

Is it possible to get pregnant if you take hormonal contraceptives for a long time? It is possible, but you need to plan conception no earlier than 3-4 months after stopping the drug. In the first months, the body begins to prepare the reproductive system to work independently without artificial stimulation, and cleanses itself of artificially accumulated hormones. The result depends on the individual characteristics of the woman’s body and how long she took the hormonal drug.

Some women become pregnant in the first month, immediately after stopping the pills. Modern drugs do not pose a risk to the unborn child, but it is preferable if conception occurs after 3-4 months. This option is optimal for the expectant mother and fetus. Another part of women, after stopping OCs, experience problems with the menstrual cycle - irregular periods, ovulation is disrupted, and pregnancy does not occur. It takes time to restore the cycle and natural functioning of the ovaries. There is no need to be upset - it is considered normal if conception occurs within 12-18 months after stopping OK.

Consequences of uncontrolled pill taking

What happens if you take birth control pills for years and don’t take a break between courses? Oral contraceptives are a drug that, when used for a long time, does not have the best effect on the functioning of the reproductive system. Systematic use of birth control pills consistently inhibits ovulation. With uncontrolled, long-term use of pills, the ovaries get used to the depressed state and “forget” how to work independently.

Thus, long-term use of OCs leads to atrophy of ovarian function - after discontinuation of the drug, it may take a long time to establish the natural functioning of the ovaries. A woman begins treatment for infertility because... the monthly lack of ovulation prevents her from becoming pregnant.

To avoid problems with conception, oral contraceptives must be taken intermittently: after 4-6 months of taking the drug, the body should rest for at least a month. At this time, the ovaries will return to normal and start working on their own. After the break, further use of the tablets is possible for no more than six months.

Can pills harm the baby in the womb?

According to the results of the studies, no connection has been established between the use of oral contraceptives and the developmental defects of a baby conceived while taking the pills. Modern pills contain small doses of hormones that are considered safe for an embryo up to 6 weeks. These hormones change the functioning of the ovaries, but do not in any way affect the fertilized egg in the first 6 weeks, so an identified pregnancy while taking contraceptives should be preserved, and the woman has every chance of bearing a healthy baby. If conception occurs and the pregnant woman takes a few more pills, nothing bad will happen.

Hormonal contraceptives are a unique discovery of the twentieth century that made a breakthrough in modern methods of protection.

The question of whether a girl or woman can get pregnant while taking birth control pills today is purely rhetorical.

The principle of contraceptive action is quite simple. A certain combination of hormones blocks the ovulation process. As a result, it becomes impossible for the egg to mature and exit the ovary.

Accordingly, male gametes are inactive, since they simply have nothing to fertilize.

Under the influence of progestogenic components, the viscosity of cervical mucus increases, which significantly reduces sperm activity.

At the same time, the peristalsis of the fallopian tubes and uterus decreases, and the endometrial layer becomes thinner.

Even if the most nimble sperm manages to contrive and fertilize the egg (which is extremely doubtful), it will still not be able to attach itself to the walls of the uterus. Therefore, the chances of getting pregnant are zero.

To the counter question of whether it is possible to get pregnant while taking birth control pills, any experienced doctor will answer - it is impossible.

Safe contraception

It is worth paying attention that the effectiveness of oral contraceptives (OCs) directly depends on the correct and systematic use of the drug selected by a specialist.

What are oral contraceptives?

Today, pharmaceutical manufacturers offer a wide range of contraceptive drugs with various properties.
Some oral contraceptives are successfully used to treat gynecological diseases. This is due to the auxiliary effects that the medicinal properties of the tablets have.

Regarding the type of hormones in the composition of the products, there are two main groups of contraceptives:

• combined oral contraceptives (COCs) - consist of two types: progestins (progesterone) and estrogens;
• progestin (gestagen, gestagen, mini-pill) drugs - consist of gestagen hormones.

The identity of one or the other type must be indicated in the instructions for use attached to the tablets.

The most popular are COCs (combined drugs). However, each type has certain indications and contraindications. Therefore, the same girl can use both types, but in different situations or periods.

COCs have differences:

• single-phase - the amount of hormones is equal;
• biphasic - have two subtypes, each with a different combination of hormones;
• triphasic - have three subtypes, with different combinations of hormones.

Any combined oral contraceptive necessarily contains one type of gestagen hormone and one type of estrogen.

An exception is contraceptive “mini-pills”, consisting of only one type of progestin.

How to choose and apply them correctly?

Many women approach the choice of oral contraceptives not only incorrectly, but also completely irresponsibly.

In most cases, women rely on the experience of their friends, acquaintances, or available information from the Internet.

It is important to understand clearly! A product that is ideal for one woman may be completely unacceptable for another. Therefore, the choice of a contraceptive drug must always be agreed with a gynecologist.

Estrogen-containing contraceptives themselves, correctly selected by a gynecologist for a particular woman, are one of the most effective ways to protect against unwanted pregnancy

To correctly select the appropriate pills, your doctor may prescribe a number of the following tests:

• general blood analysis;
• vaginal smear;
• full gynecological examination;
• examination of the mammary glands for pathology;
• do an ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
• examination of the cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys for signs of possible diseases;
• The main analysis is to check for hormones.

After reviewing the results, the doctor will confidently be able to choose the drug that suits your health condition, as well as the individual characteristics of your body.

This procedure for selecting a contraceptive is recommended to avoid unforeseen serious consequences from taking a contraceptive.
Particular attention is paid to the choice of tablets for pregnant women because of the possible negative effects of some tablets on the fetus.
To exclude the influence of hormones on the child, the doctor will select the most gentle option for contraception.

A similar approach is taken when choosing a contraceptive for women during menopause. With the right choice of contraceptive drug, it will be possible not only to avoid pregnancy, but also to remove or weaken the unpleasant symptoms of menopause.

Contraceptive drugs are available in tablet form in packs of 21 or 28 pieces. A dosage regimen is outlined regarding the number of tablets.

If there are 21 tablets in a package, then the product is taken for exactly 21 days. This should be followed by a seven-day break, which usually coincides with menstruation. On day 8, start taking the next package of the product you are using.

Progestin-only oral contraceptives (mini-pills) can be a solution for women 35+ who smoke.

If there are 28 tablets in the package, then the drug is taken without interruptions, drink 1 tablet daily.
To achieve maximum effectiveness of the contraceptive, it is recommended to take the pills at the same time of day.

If you are using contraception in the first month, then it is best to start taking birth control pills at the very beginning of MC. That is, take the first pill on the first day of your cycle.

The effectiveness of this method of use is due to the fact that in this case additional protection with other contraceptives (condoms, etc.) is not required.

If you start taking a contraceptive a week after the start of menstruation, this may lead to a loss of effectiveness of the product.

Moreover, for about another month the risk of becoming pregnant will remain after birth control pills taken without following this rule. There are many cases of people becoming pregnant for this reason.

Accordingly, quite often one can hear dissatisfaction about the insufficient effect of contraceptives.

For example, a woman took Regulon birth control pills and is outraged by the fact that she conceived.

However, when the circumstances were clarified, it turned out that taking these oral contraceptives was not the cause of pregnancy.

You need to take these pills at the same time every day.

The factor behind unplanned fertilization was a simple failure to comply with the instructions for use.

Table of the best drugs

Is it possible to get pregnant while taking birth control pills?

As practice shows and medical statistics confirm, oral contraceptives are a more effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancy, guaranteeing 100% results.

Therefore, the question of what chance women have of getting pregnant while taking birth control pills may seem somewhat provocative.

And yet, according to experts, from 0.3 to 0.8% of cases of unplanned pregnancy have been recorded. Therefore, it is worth talking in more detail about the reasons for conception.

A reliable alternative to contraceptives containing estrogen Mini-pill

Reasons for the chance of fertilization with birth control

Some factors do contribute to a decrease in the effectiveness of drugs. If you take the necessary measures, you are guaranteed to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.

Reasons for increased risk:

• before starting the first course of birth control, be sure to start taking birth control pills in combination with additional protection;
• if for the first 7-14 days you take only contraceptives and have unprotected sex without a condom, then there is a real risk of becoming pregnant (the condition is only relevant for the first cycle);
• at the next appointment, you missed a contraceptive pill - if a woman misses one pill for an interval of more than 12 hours, then the effect of protection is reduced, and the risk of conception doubles;
• illiterate selection of a contraceptive - for example, if a girl takes hormonal pills with a minimum set of hormones intended for use during lactation, then the likelihood of becoming pregnant while taking birth control is very high;
• upset stomach - if, after drinking the drug, you experience vomiting or diarrhea within 3 hours, then the effect of birth control pills is reduced;
• combining oral contraceptives with some other medications or traditional medicine reduces the effect of contraception;
• For those who drink alcohol in combination with birth control pills, it is important to remember that alcohol neutralizes the effects of hormones, but increases the chances of unwanted conception.

Many people are interested in whether a woman can get pregnant if she skips or between taking birth control pills.
If two (or more) tablets are missed, then you need to double the dose (2 tablets per day) to get back on the regular schedule. It is recommended to use additional protection for a week.
If your period comes during this break, then you need to take a seven-day break and start the next pack.

The situation is similar if there is a gap of 36 hours or more between taking pills.

No side effects

Not taken at the same time

To increase the effectiveness of contraceptive drugs, doctors recommend developing the appropriate habit of taking pills in the body.

When using COCs (combined drugs), small time delays are not critical, but are undesirable.

If you are taking medications containing only progesterone, it is recommended to take them at the same time. The effect of the drug stops after 26 hours.

Choose the time that suits you best, for example, take it at night. You can use an alarm clock so you don't forget.

There was vomiting, diarrhea and you did not take another pill

• if you vomited within three hours after the last dose of the contraceptive, then you should take the same numbered pill from another package or the next one when taking a single-phase drug as quickly as possible;
• if vomiting occurs after 3-4 hours, then there is no need to take it again, since the active substances have already provided protection against conception;

Similar actions should be taken for diarrhea. But if the diarrhea does not stop for a long time, it is recommended to stop taking the drug for 7 days.

Combined with other drugs

When combining oral contraceptives with other drugs, the effectiveness of protection is significantly reduced.
This is especially true for simultaneous use with barbiturates, antibiotics, antifungals or anticonvulsants.

There is nothing difficult about taking them

If it is necessary to combine contraceptives and medications used, it is recommended to use additional protective equipment (for example, a condom).

It doesn’t matter which drug you use Belara, Yarina or Novinet, but you will need the approval and recommendations of a gynecologist.

How to properly stop using hormonal pills

Refusal of the drug may be due to various reasons:

• when planning a child;
• when changing contraceptives;
• if you feel worse:
• before surgery.

If surgery is planned, you will need to take a month's break to prevent thrombosis.
To ensure that pain or side effects do not occur after stopping the contraceptive drug, the following recommendations must be strictly followed:

• refusal of OCs is unacceptable without consulting a doctor;
• you need to finish your entire cycle of the drug; you cannot stop without completing the course;
• Abrupt withdrawal is not allowed; a gradual discontinuation is recommended according to the scheme established by the gynecologist.

Planning a pregnancy

If partners are thinking about adding to their family, then this moment is not only the most important decision in their lives, but also requires a competent approach and great responsibility.

Many people think that it is enough to take a simple action - to give up birth control contraceptives. After all, if you don’t take precautions, a woman will be able to get pregnant right away.

Requires a systematic approach

It is possible that this will happen. But if you want fertilization to occur for sure, then you need to take into account some important factors:

• woman's age;
• duration of medication use;
• health status;
• the presence of pathologies or chronic diseases.

When planning a child, it is recommended to come for a consultation with your attending gynecologist and fully rely on his professionalism.
The doctor will prescribe an examination, most likely not only for the woman, but also for her partner.

In some cases, pregnancy can occur only with the help of auxiliary means. Artificial stimulation of the ovulation process is often used.

Remember, the phrase “it is impossible not to get pregnant without protection” is irrelevant for many.

Conception after finishing taking the drug

The likelihood of getting pregnant quickly after taking birth control pills directly depends on the duration of use of these drugs.

If we take hormonal drugs for a long time, then gradually our body becomes weaned from independent activity. That is, it stops producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

There is a simple formula that doctors usually use - the fertilization rate is equal to 3 recovery months per 1 year of contraceptive use.

If you use contraception for less than 6 months, it is possible that sometimes a reverse reaction will occur. A female cell can behave as if it were “starved.” In medicine, this phenomenon is interpreted as “conception on withdrawal” or “rebound effect”.

This means that there is a high probability of getting pregnant during the first act, even the next day after stopping taking contraceptives.

We need a responsible approach to taking OK

There is even a practice in which infertility is treated by creating an artificial rebound effect.

There are cases where, even after five years of using drugs, women were able to get pregnant after the first unprotected act literally within two weeks.

Much also depends on age. Medical practice shows that after 22-23 a girl can get pregnant faster without protection.

With long-term use of contraceptives at this age, it may take no more than a year to restore the ovulatory cycle.

But for women over 30, it will take twice as long to get pregnant without protection.
This uncertainty in time parameters is due to the fact that contraceptives can cause intestinal problems or exacerbation of gynecological pathologies.

What is the probability of getting pregnant without contraceptives?

An indisputable fact is that the largest percentage of cases of unwanted pregnancy occurs due to unprotected sexual intercourse.
The following trend is noted. If partners constantly use unprotected sexual contact, then fertilization occurs:

• 40% - within three months after the start of sexual intercourse;
• 65% - maximum in six months;
• 90% - after 1.5-2 years.

The length of time depends on many factors.

MC failure occurred

Many people believe that practicing sexual intercourse with a condom on the days of ovulation is quite enough to protect against conception.

However, statistics show that under certain circumstances, you can get pregnant on any day, even during menstruation.

What to do in case of unwanted fertilization

Everyone knows what toxicosis is and how hard it is for most women. Many people are afraid that poor health can affect their professional activities and disrupt all their plans.

What to do if pregnancy occurs under such circumstances, and even while taking birth control pills.

The very fact of using OCs should not determine whether to keep the child or have an abortion. Any gynecologist will confirm that contraceptives are not an obstacle or contraindication for pregnancy.

Consequences of OK for the body of mother and child

An unexpected pregnancy while using oral contraceptives gives women a lot of reasons to worry.
A woman is overcome by a constant feeling of anxiety:

• how the drugs used will affect the course of pregnancy;
• what impact can contraceptives have on the development of a child, what if the baby is born with pathology, physical or mental disabilities.

Exciting moment

The composition of the drugs is selected in such a way that the hormones it contains are not capable of harming the health of the mother and child. Pregnancy in these circumstances is observed in exactly the same way as normal.

1. Limit the number of cigarettes or completely eliminate the smoking habit.
2. Strictly follow the instructions for use of the drug.
3. If you have any complaints about taking OCs, you should consult a doctor.
4. In case of sudden, localized, severe cephalgia, migraine attacks, chest pain, acute visual impairment, or an increase in blood pressure to critical values, the use of the drug should be stopped immediately.
5. The adaptation period is 3 cycles; if menstruation is irregular and a state of discomfort is felt, then it is necessary to contact a gynecologist to change the drug with a higher level of estrogen.
6. In the first cycles of taking OK, scant intermenstrual bleeding is allowed; you can drink 1 tablet. (additional) from the next package, when taking COCs, drink 1 tablet indicated on the same day.
7. If bleeding continues at a later date (after 3 cycles), then visit a gynecologist to determine the cause.
8. For pain (or tension) in the mammary glands, it is recommended to combine OCs with vitamin E.
9. If you have galactorrhea (discharge from the mammary glands), get a referral for examination or change your method of contraception.
10. If you don’t have your period, continue taking the OC as usual and visit your doctor to check for conception or “post-pill amenorrhea.”

Normal size of the uterus according to ultrasound

Attention!

The information published on the website is for informational purposes only and is intended for informational purposes only. Site visitors should not use them as medical advice! The site editors do not recommend self-medication. Determining the diagnosis and choosing a treatment method remains the exclusive prerogative of your attending physician! Remember that only complete diagnosis and therapy under the supervision of a doctor will help you completely get rid of the disease!

No, this is highly undesirable and can lead to complications. There are more than 50 types of birth control pills on the pharmaceutical market, and this diversity is not in vain, since different pills are suitable for different women.

It is wrong to start taking pills on the advice of a friend or to recommend your birth control pills to someone you know. Your pill may be perfect for you but cause unpleasant side effects for another woman.

If you start taking OCs without consulting a doctor, the contraceptive effect may be incomplete (that is, while taking OCs you can become pregnant), you may experience side effects in the form of uterine bleeding, ongoing swelling, and even the formation of blood clots in the veins.

Is it necessary to take a blood test for hormones before starting to take OCs?

No, this is not necessary. If your gynecologist prescribed birth control pills without performing any tests, this does not mean that the doctor is incompetent.

A blood test for hormones may be required if you have certain hormonal disorders and associated menstrual irregularities.

On what day of the cycle should I start taking birth control pills (OCPs)?

If you are just starting to take OK, then you should take the first tablet on the first day of your period (this day is considered the first day of the menstrual cycle). In this case, there will be no need to use additional contraception, since the contraceptive effect occurs immediately.

It is also permissible to start taking it on the 2-3-4-5 days of menstruation, but in this case you need to use additional contraception for another week.

If you start taking it later than 6 days from the start of your period, the effect of birth control pills this month will be very low and you may become pregnant.

On what day of the cycle after starting to take OCs can you not use additional protection? When does the contraceptive effect of pills occur?

If you take the first pill on day 1 of the menstrual cycle, the contraceptive effect occurs immediately. You may no longer use additional contraception. A prerequisite in this case is to continue taking the pills as scheduled. If you took several tablets from the first day of your period and then stopped taking OK, you can get pregnant.

If you took the first pill on days 2-5 of the menstrual cycle, then you need to take additional protection for 7 days after starting to take the pills.

How should you take birth control pills?

First of all, look at how many tablets are in one blister (plate) of your OK: 21 or 28?

If there are 21 tablets in one blister, then you need to take one tablet a day at the same time for 21 days. Then you do not take pills for 7 days, and on day 8 you take the first pill from the next blister.

If the blister contains 28 tablets, then there is no need to take any breaks. Just take one tablet a day, and when you finish one blister, start taking the next one.

Our website has separate instructions for taking the following birth control pills:

What if my period does not come during the 7-day break?

If in the past month you took your pills regularly, didn’t miss a pill, and weren’t more than 12 hours late in taking your pill, then it’s okay. There is no need to wait for the start or end of your period to start taking a new blister. Always do this on the 8th day after finishing the previous package.

If you have violated the rules for taking OK and have been sexually active, then you should stop taking the pills until you are sure that you are not pregnant.

Do I need additional protection while taking placebo pills?

This paragraph applies only to those contraceptive pills that contain 28 tablets per package.

If in the previous month you took the pills according to the rules (without skipping), then while taking inactive pills (placebo pills) you do not need to use additional contraception.

If you made any omissions, you should proceed according to the instructions (this depends on what kind of tablets you take).

Is it necessary to take additional protection during the 7-day break?

This paragraph applies only to those contraceptive pills that contain 21 tablets in the package.

If last month you took the pills according to the rules, and next month you plan to continue taking the pills, then you do not need to take additional protection during the 7-day break.

If you missed one or more tablets in the last 7 days before the break, then you need to skip the 7-day break altogether (that is, after finishing the first pack, start the next one the next day).

Is it possible not to take a 7-day break?

If the onset of menstruation is not desirable for you, then you may not take a 7-day break, that is, delay your period by one month. To do this, after finishing one blister the next day, start a new package. It is not dangerous for your body.

Is it possible to delay my period if I haven't taken birth control pills before?

No. If you did not take OK last month, then it is impossible to delay future periods with their help.

Do I need to take long breaks from taking birth control pills?

Many girls and women taking birth control pills are very worried about the possible unwanted effects of hormones on their body. Therefore, when any opportunity arises, many stop taking the pills for 1-2 months to “give the body a rest.”

However, such breaks do not and cannot give your body rest - this is unnecessary stress for your ovaries and endocrine glands. In most cases, such spontaneous breaks lead to disruption of the menstrual cycle, poor health, delayed menstruation, and sometimes... Not to mention that during long breaks the contraceptive effect is zero and you can easily get pregnant.

Therefore, if you still need contraception (that is, you are sexually active, but are not planning a pregnancy yet), then you can take birth control pills for as long as required (up to 5 years in a row, without breaks).

After 5 years of taking the pills, you need to consult with your doctor and if he does not find a reason to stop taking the pills, you can continue taking the OC further as long as necessary.

Is the effect of birth control pills reduced when taking other medications?

Yes, taking certain medications can reduce the effectiveness of OCs. These medications include:

• Antibiotics: Ampicillin, Rifampicin, Tetracycline, Erythromycin and others.
• Antifungals: Griseofulvin
• Anticonvulsants: Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, etc.
• Barbiturates: Thiopental, Phenobarbital, etc.

These medications reduce the absorption of birth control pills in the intestines or accelerate their breakdown in the liver, which leads to a decrease in the contraceptive effect. Therefore, it is necessary to use additional contraception for the entire duration of treatment and for another 7 days after completing the course of treatment with these drugs.

Before you start taking any drug, be sure to read the instructions for its use, or consult with your doctor.

Does the effect of OK persist when taking alcohol?

Large doses of alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. This is explained by the fact that alcohol makes our liver work more intensely (to get rid of toxic products), but together with alcohol, the liver also “neutralizes” estrogens from birth control pills.
Thus, when taking large doses of alcohol, estrogen is more quickly inactivated in the liver and cannot have the proper effect on the ovaries, and therefore suppress ovulation.
But the problem is what counts as large doses of alcohol. All people are different and some people cannot tolerate alcohol at all (they get drunk from the smell), while others can drink liters and feel fine.
But since medicine likes to average everything, the following amount of alcohol is considered safe while taking birth control pills: no more than 50 ml of vodka, 200 ml of wine or 400 ml of beer. If you drink more than this amount, you will need to use additional contraception for a week after drinking.

If you drank a lot of alcohol during the last week of taking OK, then in this case you should skip the 7-day break and start taking the next pack immediately after finishing the previous one. Protect yourself for an additional 7 days.

Drinking alcohol (even large doses) during a 7-day break does not affect the contraceptive effect.

What should I do if I vomit after taking the pill?

If vomiting occurs within the first 3-4 hours after taking the tablet, its effectiveness will be greatly reduced. Therefore, to maintain the contraceptive effect, it is necessary to take the same pill number from another package, or in the case of taking monophasic OCs (, etc.), take the next pill by number. You need to take this “second” tablet as early as possible: immediately after the nausea and vomiting go away, and no later than 12 hours after taking the first tablet. If you took the second tablet later than 12 hours later, then you need to proceed in the same way as if you missed a tablet (depending on its number).

If vomiting occurs later than 4 hours after taking the pill, then nothing needs to be done. By this time, the tablet has already been absorbed into the blood and its effect remains high, despite vomiting.

What should I do if I have diarrhea?

If you have diarrhea (diarrhoea), the effectiveness of birth control pills may also be reduced. Therefore, immediately after the end of diarrhea, you need to take a tablet of the same number from another package, or if you are taking monophasic OCs (Jess, Lindinet-20, Novinet, Mercilon, Logest, Yarina, etc.), take the next tablet by number. If diarrhea continues, use additional contraception for the next 7 days.

If you have diarrhea and are unsure what to do, read this article on this topic: Question and Answer of the Month: Birth Control Pills and Digestive Problems. In it you will find detailed instructions in case of one-time diarrhea, and in case of recurring diarrhea, as well as information about which antidiarrheals may reduce the effectiveness of OCs.

What happens if you stop drinking OK without finishing the package?

Stopping taking OK without finishing the package is highly undesirable. But, unfortunately, sometimes there are situations in which you need to stop taking birth control pills urgently:

• If pregnancy is detected
• Before preparing for emergency surgery
• If very severe side effects occur (after consultation with a gynecologist)

If you suddenly stop taking birth control pills because you decide to get pregnant, you may only get the opposite effect. Stopping taking OCs halfway through the pack can lead to disruption of the menstrual cycle, lack of ovulation (the release of an egg) and the inability to become pregnant for several more months until the hormones return to normal. Therefore, in order not to create unnecessary problems for yourself, it is better to wait a few more weeks and finish the package to the end. And then next month the probability of pregnancy will be very high.

I stopped taking birth control pills without finishing the blister completely. What will happen?

• If you have had unprotected sex in the previous 7 days, suddenly stopping birth control pills may lead to pregnancy.
• A few days after stopping OC you may experience spotting or withdrawal bleeding. Usually, this bleeding is not heavy and lasts no more than 5-7 days. If, while stopping birth control pills, you have severe abdominal pain, heavy periods, or menstruation lasts more than a week, be sure to consult a gynecologist.
• If birth control pills are suddenly stopped, hormonal imbalance may develop: irregular menstruation, lack of ovulation and inability to get pregnant. Usually, after 2-3 months the menstrual cycle is restored and pregnancy becomes possible again.

Do I need to stop taking OCs before surgery?

Yes, you must stop taking birth control pills 4 weeks before surgery. This helps reduce the risk of developing thrombi (blood clots) in the vessels. If urgent surgery is required, be sure to notify the surgeon that you are taking birth control pills. In this case, the doctor will take additional measures to reduce the risk of blood clots.

You can resume taking OK 14 days after you are able to move independently.