Many women use birth control pills, either to prevent pregnancy or to regulate their menstrual cycle. However, many questions linger in their minds about how these pills affect their health and whether they have any impact on their chances of getting pregnant in the future.
Here are some questions answered by Dr. Gigi Tagouri, a specialist in sexual health, according to the website "Fuchsia."
**Can you miss a birth control pill once?**
Dr. Tagouri states that it depends on the hormone dosage and the type of birth control pill. Missing one pill typically does not have an effect, but you should take the pill as soon as you remember it, even if that means taking two pills on the same day (the one you remembered and the one for that day). Then, continue taking the rest of the pack normally.
**What are the most critical times to miss birth control pills?**
According to Dr. Tagouri, missing a pill during the first week of the pack is concerning, while missing a pill during other times is generally considered normal, as the ovary is sufficiently protected and missing one pill does not have an impact.
**Do antibiotics affect the effectiveness of birth control pills?**
Some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, particularly those prescribed for tuberculosis and meningitis. However, well-known antibiotics like penicillin do not affect the effectiveness of birth control pills. You can verify this by reading the leaflet inside the antibiotic package regarding interactions with birth control medications; if there is a concern, it is advisable to use an alternative method to prevent pregnancy during that period.
**Do diarrhea and vomiting affect the effectiveness of birth control pills?**
Dr. Tagouri confirmed that diarrhea and vomiting can impact the effectiveness of birth control pills, especially if they occur after taking the pill. In such cases, it is recommended to use another method of contraception.
**Do birth control pills affect your chances of getting pregnant in the future?**
Dr. Tagouri pointed out that there is no scientific evidence proving that taking birth control pills affects future pregnancy chances. The effects of these pills are usually temporary, and when a woman stops taking the pills, she typically regains her fertility.
