Help :(

[acjw673]

Hi there everyone,

I'm really worried and I wondered if someone could help me or maybe stop me worrying so much!

I have been on the contraceptive pill for 2 and a half years and I think have only missed a pill once (but taken the next day). I take it at pretty much the same time every day, maybe an hour early/late every now and again.

I have always been worried about the pill not being 100% effective and so have never let my boyfriend ejaculate after sex, but last night he did and I know the pill is effective but I am just so worried about pregnancy.

My last period was a week ago and so I am due another one in just under 3 weeks when I finish this strip of the pill.

Any advice or help would've appreciated, thank you!

[Bpas_1968]

Hi there,

The pill is 91% effective at preventing pregnancy so if taken correctly (which it sounds like you are doing) it is unlikely that you would fall pregnant. If you are very worried, you might want to consider a method of emergency contraception to put your mind at ease – although as I said it is very unlikely you would fall pregnant while on the pill, even if you boyfriend did ejaculate. We have a guide to the different methods of emergency contraception online here:

bpas.org/js/filemanager/fil...

If you are very anxious about conceiving, you might want to consider using a method of contraception that is more effective. The contraceptive implant and the coil are both over 99% effective, and we have more information on these methods online, but a nurse at your local contraceptive / sexual health clinic will be able to discuss all your options if that is something that might be helpful:

bpas.org/js/filemanager/fil...

I hope this helps. As I said, it doesn’t sound like you have anything to worry about, but I understand that you are anxious.

Best wishes,

Katherine

[acjw673]

Hi there, thank you so much for your help. I read on the NHS that the pill was 99% effective though

[Bpas_1968 in reply to acjw673]

Hi there, the pill is 99% effective if taken perfectly, but 91% effective with typical use.