The object of using pill over condom as a preferred way to avoid pregnancy is the convenience associated with using them, especially for those who prefer spontaneous love making. The pill is actually a combination of chemicals that act and behave like hormones and getting pregnant on the pill is not uncommon. Missing the pill once in a while does increase the chances of one getting an unwanted pregnancy, and most often a lot depends upon your own body and how well you ovulate.
There is no conclusive evidence to show that the pill can cause birth defects or risk for the mother and the unborn baby. It is just prudent not to get pregnant and should it happen, and you want to keep the baby, then, talk to your doctor immediately. You doctor might advice you to continue taking the pills or stop. Pills have other uses also besides birth control.
There are numerous myths about the pills in the context of a pregnancy, which need to be dispelled. Here are the myths about the pills and the truth about them. If you are in doubt still, then talk to your doctor, it should give you all the confidence.
· You will gain weight by using the pill. There is no hard medical evidence to show that getting pregnant on the pill will increase your weight; at the most you will feel bloated or retain water, and it should disappear over a period of time. It is also distinctly possible that you are using the pill at a point in your life when it is common to gain weight in females.
· You will need to give yourself a break from the pill once in a while if you intend to use them for years. There is no basis for this belief. Researches indicate it is absolutely safe to continue with the pill for 15 or more years without any break and your health will not be affected even the least from the use of pill. In fact the pill may have beneficial effects if you are prone to anemia, osteoporosis and like conditions.
· Getting pregnant on the pill will result in birth defects. There is no indication or evidence to show that it indeed does that. In fact they are known to be safe even during the early phases of pregnancy. If you have the need to take the pill on your doctor’s advice, do it. It is perfectly safe.
· Using the pill for extended periods will result in fertility loss. The pill has little to do with fertility; the ability to produce eggs of good quality. What the pill really does is control the timing of the eggs release for fertilization and preparing the uterus to receive the young embryo.
· All pills are the same and getting pregnant on the pill therefore has the same effect on one’s body. There can be nothing farther away from the truth. Pills actually come under very different brand names and by different manufacturers. They are basically of 2 types: The combination pill and Progestin-only pill. Each have different applications and the doctor while prescribing will take your age, health and other medical conditions before choosing the right one for you.
· The pill and your smoking habit cannot go together. It is true that smoking has a negative effect generally across all individuals and in all honesty needs to be discouraged if you are getting pregnant on the pill. But the connection between smoking and the pill is not established beyond doubt. Women above the age of 35 and pregnant have a higher risk of stroke, but that is not related to smoking while on the pill.
· It is a risk to miss the pill during the middle of the 7 day cycle pack that the pills come in. The contrary is true; missing the pill at the beginning or the end is the riskier thing to happen and can actually increase the chances of getting pregnant on the pill if ovulation has been initiated already.
· The pill has little use other then as a contractive. Not true at all! They have many more uses:
o A more regular menstrual cycle.
o Timed menstrual cycle.
o Relief from menstrual cramps.
o Minimize PMS (Post Menstrual Symptoms).
o Freedom from anemia due to excess bleeding during periods.
o Protection from ectopic pregnancy.
o Relief from Acne.
· The Pills can cause cancer. It is an absurd myth. Doctors will even recommend that all women go on the pills at least for 5 years during their life time to get protection from ovarian and breast cancer. In fact the medical fraternity believes that the pill if taken for sometime will provide protection for up to 30 years past even after you have ceased taking the pill.