Can you get pregnant on birth control?

Birth control does a pretty solid job at preventing pregnancy when used correctly. But let’s be honest—life happens. There might be a slip-up now and then, and birth control isn’t 100% effective even if you are using it perfectly. So, if you ever wondered if you can get pregnant while on birth control, you’re not alone. To give you peace of mind, we’ll break down everything you need to know when it comes to pregnancy and contraception in this article.

If you’re looking for birth control, Hey Jane offers over 100 options, including the pill, patch, ring, shot, and non-hormonal options. Have a quick, virtual consultation with one of our expert providers to get started. 

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How well does birth control prevent pregnancy?

Birth control can be very effective, but it ultimately depends on how you use it. Every birth control method has an effectiveness rate, or how well it works, and there’s a huge difference between perfect use and how the average person typically uses it.

Here’s a look at perfect use vs. typical use of birth control.

• Perfect use: This means following the birth control method’s instructions exactly. Never missing a pill, always inserting a ring on time, and consistently sticking to the schedule for prescribed medications or devices. When used correctly, most birth control methods have a pretty high effectiveness rate over 99%.
• Typical use: This reflects the real-world where slip-ups happen, such as forgetting a pill, a condom coming off, inserting a ring late, or not replacing a patch on time. These situations can lower effectiveness, but most methods still provide excellent pregnancy prevention even with typical use. 

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Chances of getting pregnant on different birth control methods

Want to know which methods are the most (and least) reliable? Here’s a table comparing the many birth control methods and their effectiveness rates:

So, while birth control is very effective, no method is 100% (with the exception of abstinence, or not having penis-in-vagina sex).

Can you get pregnant on birth control if you don’t have a period?

Some birth control methods can either make your periods lighter or stop them altogether, like IUDs, the shot, or certain birth control pills. However, these side effects don’t mean that you could be pregnant.

Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to birth control and pregnancy:

• Many hormonal birth control methods (like the shot or hormonal IUD) can stop your period over time, and that’s completely normal.
• If you don’t get a regular period, taking a monthly pregnancy test can help with peace of mind.
• If you suddenly stop getting your period and experience pregnancy symptoms, it’s probably best to take a test just to be sure.
• Pregnancy symptoms to watch out for include nausea, breast tenderness, tiredness, increased urination, and food aversions. If you’re experiencing these symptoms while on birth control, taking a test can help confirm whether pregnancy is a possibility.

If you have any concerns, please contact your health care provider to get peace of mind. 

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Can you take Plan B if you’re on birth control?

Yes. If you’ve recently had unprotected sex and think your birth control failed, taking Plan B (within 72 hours or 3 days) or Ella (within 120 hours or 5 days) might be an option for you to prevent pregnancy.

Keep in mind that taking Ella while on hormonal birth control might make both medications less effective. We recommend using a backup method in these cases, like condoms or avoiding sex for 5 days after.

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What to do if you’re on birth control and think you’re pregnant

If you’re taking birth control but have that uh-oh feeling, here’s what you can do next:

1. Check your birth control use: Did you miss a pill? Did your patch or ring stay out for too long? Figuring out what went wrong can help with moving forward. If you are unsure, keep taking your birth control. It will make sure you stay covered if you’re not pregnant, and it won’t hurt a pregnancy if you are.
2. Take a pregnancy test: Visit your nearest convenience store or pharmacy for an at-home pregnancy test. These tests are super accurate if taken at the right time (typically after a missed period).
3. Visit a health care provider: If you get a positive test, you can talk to a trusted health care provider to discuss your pregnancy options or do lab work to confirm the results of an at-home test for peace of mind. 

If you discover you are pregnant and don’t want to be, Hey Jane offers medication abortion care for pregnancies up to 10 weeks. Consult with a licensed provider in 1 business day via chat, phone, or video call and get abortion pills mailed just 1-3 days later.