Planned Parenthood

Someone asked us:

How do I know whether or not my birth control has “failed” and when to take emergency contraception?

Great question. Birth control “failure” means that whatever you were doing to prevent pregnancy didn’t go as you planned. Some birth control failures are pretty noticeable – like a broken condom. But some are easier to miss – like if you forget a pill or two and don’t realize it until after you’ve had sex.

Birth control is  most effective when you use it correctly. Accidents happen, so it’s best to think ahead: Set an alarm on your phone to remind you when it’s time to take your pill, change your ring, or visit the doctor for a new shot. And if you don’t feel like you’re 100% sure how to use your birth control correctly, talk about it with your health care provider.

How to best deal with birth control failures can vary from one method to another, but no matter which method you’re on, if it “fails” it’s a good idea to take emergency contraception. Emergency contraception – also known as Plan B or the morning-after pill – can prevent pregnancy up to five days after unprotected sex. It’s more effective the sooner you take it, so if you realize that your birth control strategy didn’t go as planned, you should take it as soon as possible.

One really great way to prevent birth control failure is to double up on methods. Using a condom along with another form of birth control offers extra protection and backup. (Plus, condoms can help prevent the spread of STDs, which hormonal birth control can’t do.)

 - Alex at Planned Parenthood