pregnancy chances

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2004
pregnancy chances
9
Fri, 06-25-2004 - 1:54am
ok, so I'm on the pill...ortho-tricyclen. I've been on it for about 8 months. So I was wondering, what are the chances of me getting pregnant if my boyfriend doesn't use a condom when we have sex but just pulls out? If anyone could at least give me some idea of how safe or unsafe this is regarding pregnancy, that would be great.... I just want to know if I should have to worry about getting pregnant or not since I'm also on the pill.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Fri, 06-25-2004 - 8:42am
Hi incubus girl18, welcome!

Oral contraceptives are very effective (98-99%) if you are taking them correctly. Millions of women all over the world are on the pill and for most it's their only form of contraception, unless they have been sick or are taking medicines or supplements that could reduce the effectiveness of their pills. I was on OCs for three years and never had a pg scare. I think you should be very safe!

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Fri, 06-25-2004 - 9:33am
as long as they are taken correctly (not missing any-at relatively the same time each day) there shouldn't be a problem (even if he doesn't "pull out")....I've relied on the pill as my only form of bc for years....haven't had a problem.I now use the IUD though,but I had good experiences with using the pill.....
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2004
Fri, 06-25-2004 - 5:50pm
Thanks for the input! I really appreciate it. Just one more question though...I have usually always taken my pill on-time, except there were just a few times last week where I forgot and took it like 4 or 5 hours late... Is this considered a missed pill and do you think this will have an effect on the pregnancy chances? Thanks for all your help.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Fri, 06-25-2004 - 6:16pm
Hi incubus girl18,

"always taken my pill on-time, except there were just a few times last week where I forgot and took it like 4 or 5 hours late... "

Oh sweetie, you are pushing your luck! You are probably ok but you aren't helping maintain the effectiveness of your method. I think of a missed pill as being one taken more than 8 hours late. You need to take your pills on time. Here is what the board recommends when taking oral contraceptives:

This board considers taking combined oral contraceptives correctly to mean taking them on time (within +/-2 hrs. of your normal pill-time) and using back-up if you forget a pill or are sick and vomit or have diarrhea within 2 hours after taking your pill (considered a missed pill) and if you are taking medicines or supplements that could reduce the effectiveness of your pills. If you forget a pill or have been sick you should use back-up for at least 7 days afterward. If you are taking medicines or supplements then you should use back-up while taking them and for at least 7 days after taking the last dose. And, if you think you might have trouble remembering your pill-time you can set the alarm on a clock or watch or set a reminder message on your cell phone, computer or PDA to help remind you. Some things to remember when taking oral contraceptives:

• Combined oral contraceptives have a 4 hour window, progestin-only pills have a 1/2-1 hour window for on-time

• Medicines are typically antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants and some other prescription drugs, if in doubt, check with the pharmacist. Over-the-counter medications like pain relievers or allergy medications do not change the effectiveness of the pill.

• Supplements may cause changes in the metabolism of the hormones without your knowledge. St. John's Wort has been known to cause pill failure, but because supplements are not regulated by the FDA, there is no systematic testing to determine which will compromise the effectiveness of the pill.

• You can also set your pill time at the same time as another activity that you do every day, whether it's brushing your teeth, watching a particular TV show, having breakfast...

• The patch and the ring have the same requirements as far as use of medications, though timing isn't an issue, nor is diarrhea or vomiting.

The pill, when taken consistently and correctly, is 99% effective. Anything that deviates from perfect use will reduce the effectiveness by an undetermined amount. The most important step you can take to make sure the pill is as effective as it can be is to take it at the same time every day.

I hope this helps.

good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2004
Fri, 06-25-2004 - 6:40pm
so...if i've been taking bc on-time since then (i think it was this past sunday or monday when i took it late), how long would you say it will be before it gets back on track?... And if from now on I *always* take the pill within 2 hours of my regular time, then that means I shouldn't have to worry about getting pregnant? Just wondering...
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Fri, 06-25-2004 - 8:36pm
Hi incubus girl18,

Seven days of correct pill usage (while using back-up) is usually considered as being enough to reestablish an effective level of protection. In addition to being on time there are the points (in my earlier post) about vomiting, diarrhea, medicines and supplements all of which can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.

Good luck,

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2004
Fri, 06-25-2004 - 11:28pm
I was on the same pill for several years. My (now ex) husband and I never used condoms with it. I only got pregnant when I went off the pill. However, I believe that the pill is between 97-99% effective if used correctly. Don't skip pills. Take the pill as soon as you realize you have missed one. My doctor also told me that if one is skipped you can take 2 in the same day. I don't know if this was any help to you, but it was my experience.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2004
Fri, 06-25-2004 - 11:31pm
If you miss one by hours, to be safe, I would probably use a condom. I've heard of using alternate protection for a week if a pill is missed. But, I took pills several hours late and even up to a day late. Maybe I was taking chances, but I never used an alternate method. Never got pregnant either. If you are super worried about it, then use a condom for a few days.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2004
Sat, 06-26-2004 - 10:16pm
Just wanted to say thanks for everyone's advice. Now I'm more aware to *always* take my pill on time. I appreciate your help! :)