These 8 things can stop the Pill working
The combined contraceptive pill is designed to prevent unwanted pregnancy. If taken correctly it is more than 99 per cent effective and you can have sex without the worry of getting pregnant - or getting someone else pregnant.
This means that fewer than one woman in 100 who take the combined pill will get pregnant in one year. But what many people aren't aware of is that certain things, from medication to food, can actually make the Pill less effective and increase your chances of becoming pregnant.
We speak to family GP Dr Roger Henderson about the most common things that can affect the Pill:
1.Certain antibiotics
Most antibiotics shouldn't cause your pill to be less effective, but the antibiotics rifampicin and rifabutin (which can be used to treat illnesses including tuberculosis and meningitis) can reduce the effectiveness of the combined pill.
'There are two rarely-used antibiotics which seriously affect the performance of the Pill,' explains Dr Henderson. 'For years, doctors thought all antibiotics make the Pill less effective. But recently, it has become clear that ordinary antibiotics are most unlikely to affect it.'
If you're in any doubt, use another method of contraception while taking antibiotics, or seek advice from a family planning clinic.
2. Some medicines
Medications used for epilepsy and HIV can also reduce the effectiveness of the combined pill, so do check with your GP if you're prescribed medication for these conditions.
3. Detox tea
In 2016 a popular high street 'detox' tea (Bootea) came under fire after a number of women who regularly consumed it fell pregnant due to the laxative effect of the drink. The brand's website stated: 'The Pill's efficiency could be affected if you take your pill in the morning within four hours of the laxative effect.'
If you drink detox tea check the packet and always use a back-up method of contraceptive such as condoms to be sure.
4. Laxatives
Like detox tea, any sort of laxative can affect your pill. If you're having tummy troubles and you either have diarrhoea or take anti-constipation medication it's best to use another method of contraception for the next few days.
5. Some herbal remedies
St John's Wort is a herbal remedy for mild depression, but it should be used with caution if you take contraceptive pills.
'St John's wort causes oral contraceptives taken by mouth to be broken down by the body more efficiently,' says Dr Henderson. 'This reduces the active levels of those medicines in the blood and so may decrease effectiveness of oral contraceptives.'
6. Sickness and diarrhoea
A common holiday risk, if you throw up from infection or alcohol or you have diarrhoea, it's better to use a back-up method of contraception.
• The Pill and sickness
If you vomit within two hours of taking the Pill, it will not have been absorbed by your body. Take another pill as soon as you feel well enough. As long as you are not stick again your contraception will not be affected. Take your next pill at the normal time.
• The Pill and diarrhoea
If you have very severe diarrhoea that continues for more than 24 hours, this may make the pill less effective. Keep taking your pill but treat each day that you have severe diarrhoea as if you had missed a pill and follow the missed pill instructions for the brand you are on.
7. Forgetting to take the Pill
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the biggest reason for birth control failure is if you don't take one every day. Forgetting one pill doesn't mean that you're definitely going to get pregnant, but it increases the chances, particularly if it's the first active pill the pack.
If you do miss a pill, take it as soon as you remember. But if you miss more than two pills, you should not have unprotected sex for seven days afterwards. Many women find setting a daily alarm helps them remember to take it at the same time each day.
If you've missed one pill
Take the last pill you missed.
Continue taking the rest of the pack as usual.
If you missed the first pill of a new pack and had unprotected sex that day, talk to your pharmacist about emergency contraception.
If you've missed two pills
Take the last pill you missed now (Leave any earlier missed pills)
Continue taking the rest of the pack as usual.
Use an additional method of contraception for the next week.
If you have had unprotected sex in the previous seven days, you may need emergency contraception. Talk to your pharmacist or GP.
8. Contraceptive pill storage
Extreme heat or cold can lower the effectiveness of many medications, including the Pill. To be on the safe side, keep your packet out of direct sunlight and in a cool area. It's also important to check the expiry date.
Sexual health resources
For further advice and information on anything to do with contraception and sexual health, try one of the following resources:
Ask your GP for advice.
Find a sexual health clinic near you.
Find contraceptive services near you.
Use the FPA my contraceptive tool.
Call the National Sexual Health Line: 0300 123 7123.
Last updated: 15-11-19
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