Reasons For Contraceptive Failure

The spate of unintended pregnancies is fast on the rise. Unplanned pregnancies are no longer confined to young, ignorant and nubile women. Well-educated, aware women in their 20’s and 30’s are also contending with an unplanned pregnancy because of contraceptive failure. It is said that 53% of pregnancies occurring are unplanned. Here are some of the top reasons for contraceptive failure.

Failure to Follow Instructions 

Some women are intentionally careless with their contraception or plain lazy. If you are on the pill, you have to take the pill at the same time everyday without fail. Not taking the pill at the same time everyday increases your chances of becoming pregnant. Many women fail to read or adhere to the instructions given in the pamphlet.

Missing the Pills

Another reason for contraceptive failure is not taking the pill every day. Missing the pill even for a day increases your chance of becoming pregnant. In such cases, you should follow the instructions and take necessary steps as mentioned in the pamphlet.

Not Using the Condom Correctly
Even the condom is not foolproof and can lead to accidents. The most common reason for a condom failing is using a torn or expired condom. Many people are seemingly unaware that a condom has holes or is torn. Sharp fingernails can tear the condom during foreplay. Men are also likely to be careless and wear the condom inside out. Not leaving a gap in the condom for the semen to accumulate is another reason for condom failure.

Interaction of Certain Drugs

Some drugs may render your contraceptive pill ineffective. If you are planning to go on the pill, ask your gynaec to tell you about drugs and herbs that may reduce the efficacy of the pill. Avoiding these drugs can enhance the effectiveness of your birth control pill.


Coitus Interruptus

This is a very common albeit risky form of birth control practiced by couples the world over. In this, the man withdraws just before ejaculation and ejaculates outside the woman’s body. This is risky as accidents can occur. Even a drop of sperm accidentally spilled inside the vagina before withdrawal can lead to a pregnancy. It is said that the pre-ejaculatory fluid found on a man’s penis contains errant sperm that can impregnate a woman.

Miscalculation

Miscalculating the fertile period can lead to a pregnancy. Some women are seemingly ignorant about the fertile period and can become pregnant. At times nature plays tricks on you. A small majority of women get pregnant even during their non-fertile periods. The reasons are not known. It is important to remember that the sperm can survive in a woman’s body for 4-5 days so this form of birth control can be very risky.
 
Emergency Contraception

The use of the emergency contraceptive must be done judiciously. Using the pill after 72 hours of unprotected intercourse increases your chance of a pregnancy. This pill also should not be used as a regular form of birth control as it is bound to fail.Knowing the reasons for contraceptive failure can make you avoid the common pitfalls while on contraception.