The Top Four Reasons Contraceptives Fail

Many women think that contraceptives are the end all solution for preventing pregnancy.

However, recent studies show that over fifty percent of pregnancies, that are not planned, begin in women who use contraceptives.

Since contraceptives are supposed to at least 98% effective, you would think there would be many fewer pregnancies.

However, there are four main reasons that contraceptives become ineffective. Consider the following steps to take, and things to avoid, if you are using contraceptives to prevent pregnancy.

Reason One: Medical Intervention

Many medications can intervene in the effectiveness of contraceptives. Oral birth control pills can become ineffective, when taken in combination with certain antibiotics. It is known that antibiotics can decrease the  effectiveness, of the hormonal steroids that birth control pills contains.

Most physicians recommend using an alternative birth control method, such as condoms, when taking antibiotics.

In most cases, it is recommended that you use an alternative method while taking the antibiotics, and for an additional seven days after they are finished.

This will insure that all of the medication is out of your system, and the oral birth control is working once again. In addition to antibiotics, some herbal therapies can interfere with oral birth control. It is best if you talk to you doctor before starting any new medications.

Reason Two: Condoms That Break During Sex

It is estimated that 2-5 percent of condoms become broken, or damaged during sex. There are many reasons that this can occur. The condom may be past the expiration date, or it may have been exposed to extreme heat making it weak.

In addition, it is imperative that condoms are used with the proper amount of lubrication, to insure they do not tear during intercourse. Condoms can also be torn by things like jewelry, fingernails, or any type of sharp object.

In order to prevent unplanned pregnancy, caused by torn condoms, it is important that you use a vaginal spermicide for additional protection.

Reason Three: Improper Use of Contraceptives

All contraceptives come with a percent of effectiveness. For example, most condoms are 99.9% effective, if used properly. However, the key is proper use of the contraceptive. Each contraceptive comes with exact instructions, which must be followed.

If one step is not followed, the effectiveness can drop to less than fifty percent. If you are using a birth control pill, it is important that you take the pill at the same time each day. In addition, women who use an IUD for birth control must check the instrument, each month, to insure it is in the proper place.

Reason Four: Belief that you cannot become Pregnant

Most people do not enjoy using contraceptives. Birth control pills can have side effects, and condoms can be very uncomfortable. For this reason, many people will take a chance, and avoid contraceptive use when they think they cannot become pregnant.

Many people mistakenly believe that they cannot become pregnant when they are on their period, or they simply miscalculate their ovulation period.

However, it is very possible to become pregnant while menstruating and you must be certain of your ovulation cycle before taking chances.