Since introduced in the 1960s, the birth control pill has become one of the most popular methods of contraception. Millions of women around the world take this form of contraception. Can you get pregnant on birth control? This question has been asked for decades, and the answer is you absolutely can. Studies have shown that a typical birth control pill is effective around 99.5% of the time. Therefore, there is still a 0.5% chance of pregnancy on the pill even if you take it properly. However, according to some surveys, the chances of getting pregnant on the pill can be as high as 5% because many women do not properly adhere to the instructions for taking the pills.

Basic instructions of pills

In order to reduce the chances of getting pregnant on the pill, you should remember the following instructions:

1. Take your first birth control pill on the first Sunday after your period has begun. If you start to menstruate on a Sunday take the pill that day.
2. During the first month of taking the pill use other contraceptive devices such as a condom or foam.
3. Do not skip any days with your pills. It is a good idea to have several packs of pills in your home so there is no possibility of running out.
4. Take your pill at the same time every day.
5. If you happen to miss a day, take yesterday's pill as soon as you remember as well as today's pill at the normal time.
6. Certain antibiotics can have adverse implications on the effectiveness of your birth control pills. If you begin taking other medications, call a health provider to see if you need to use other contraceptive methods during this time.

How long will it take for the pills to become effective?

Birth control pills help stop ovulation (release of the egg) and thicken the lining of the uterus and the cervical mucus. These factors work together to prevent you from becoming pregnant.

The exact time that it takes for the pill to become an effective contraceptive measure varies in accordance to the type of pill as well as when you begin taking the pill. During the first week of using the pill you will need to use other contraceptive measures, such as a condom or foam. Ask your doctor or look at the pill packet to get the exact time duration for when the pill will become effective. Certain antibiotics can actually reduce the overall effectiveness of the birth control pill, so it is recommended that you use other contraceptive methods when taking other medication. Finally, if you are either vomiting or have diarrhea it can reduce the effectiveness of the pill, so you should use a condom during the time of sickness.

How soon after stopping the pills can you get pregnant?

If you decide to have a baby while taking the pill then you must first stop taking it. Then wait until you have had one normal period before trying to get pregnant. The best time to try and conceive is in the middle of the month, during ovulation. This is when women are extremely fertile, so there is a better chance of becoming pregnant.

From the date that you cease taking the pill, ovulation will occur in just two weeks. Once ovulation has begun, it is possible to get pregnant. However, your period will not start for at least four to six weeks from the day you stop using the pill. You may not experience a period at all if you get pregnant straight away.

When taking the pill, it's important to know a few general guidelines in order for it to be as effective as possible. Furthermore, if you suddenly get the urge to have a baby while on the pill, it's best that you wait a few weeks before trying to get pregnant.