Contraceptive Failure

Before Birth Control Fails

Your decision whether or not to become sexually active is something which should be taken seriously — you and your partner have the potential to create a new human life. Discuss the possibility of pregnancy with your partner before starting a sexual relationship. What would happen if you became pregnant? Consider your pregnancy options. Do they include giving birth or abortion? If your partner is unreceptive to pregnancy concerns, chances are that he is not ready for the intimacy of a sexual relationship.

No Contraceptives are Perfect

Sexually active, couples should keep in mind that all contraceptives have failed at some point — even when used perfectly. If your method of contraception has an average failure rate of 18%, over five years your likelihood of pregnancy is greater than fifty percent. During those five years, figure 63 out of 100 women using a diaphragm will have gotten pregnant at least once. 20% of young women who become sexually active become pregnant within the first month of sexual activity. 50% become pregnant within the first six months. Published failure rates are higher for teens than older and married couples. The average woman using reversible contraception can expect two unintended pregnancies in her lifetime, or more if she does not always use her method. Even a low annual risk of contraceptive failure implies a high risk of becoming pregnant during a lifetime of use.

If it's imperative that pregnancy be prevented your only choices are to avoid sexual intercourse or consider a permanent method. Making love makes babies. If you are sexually active you should prepare yourself for possible pregnancy.

Worried About Pregnancy? Order a Pregnancy Test online and have it delivered to the privacy of your home. Or, visit our online resources page for a pregnancy testing center near you.

Might be Pregnant?

Couples experiencing a sudden contraceptive failure might consider Emergency Contraception to reduce the chances of pregnancy. If more than 72 hours have passed, then the next step is to confirm if pregnancy has actually occurred. Pregnancy symptoms include nausea, frequent urination, and of course, a missed period. Take a pregnancy test on the first day you miss your period if there is any concern that your birth control might have failed.

If the pregnancy test is positive, couples need to decide if they want to pursue an early abortion (medical abortion by "Abortion Pill") or carry the pregnancy to term. The decision to continue a pregnancy should be made as soon as possible as later abortions carry more health risks.

Crisis Pregnancy

If an unplanned pregnancy is a problem, help is available. If you are in a difficult financial situation, there are several pregnancy help centers which can help to provide everything needed for you and your baby for as long as necessary. Contact your local pregnancy resource center right away. Experienced counselors are available for referrals or if you just need someone to talk to. Even if your partner is unsupportive, no woman has to go it alone. If you are undecided about how to proceed with an unplanned pregnancy, read our article about pregnancy options counseling.

Keeping Your Baby Healthy

If you discover that you are pregnant, seek prenatal care as soon as possible. Eat well-balanced meals; avoid dieting, as well as raw meat and unpasteurized products. Drink milk, water, and fruit juices rather than caffeinated beverages or soda. Avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy, as well as exposure to toxins like nicotine and illegal drugs. If you smoke, quit now! Obtain prenatal vitamins from your doctor, and talk to him or her before taking any over-the-counter drugs. Avoid any contact with kitty litter; your cat could be carrying toxoplasma, an infection that could harm your baby.

Avoid hot tubs, saunas, or exposure to illness that could cause a fever. Exercise moderately, but never to the point where your temperature becomes elevated. Avoid STD exposure. Most of all, know the danger signs of pregnancy complication, such as abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, or fluid discharge.

Featured Links

• At the Epigee Women's Health site:
  • Responsible Sexual Choices and You
  • Early Pregnancy Symptoms
  • Body Changes in Pregnancy
  • Development of the Embryo and Fetus
  • Pregnancy Information: Prenatal health, fetal development, and more
  • About Pregnancy Resource Centers
  
  
• The following links are provided as an informational resource or counterpoint and are not necessarily endorsed by the author:
  • Contraception and Teens
  • Kids are People Too: Taking Care of Your Unborn Baby
  • Birth Centers Online: Nat'l Association of Childbearing Centers

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