To maximise the effectiveness of a contraceptive measure, it is important to use it as instructed. But no one is perfect. Mistakes are a part of life, but when it comes to birth control measures, a mistake can lead to an unplanned pregnancy. This article highlights some of the worst birth control mistakes that must be consciously avoided.
Most couples don’t think of taking any precautions before sex. In fact, it is surprising that some people are still confused about the different methods of birth control. This confusion, along with inadequate knowledge, leads to unplanned pregnancies. Data suggest that almost half of pregnancies are unexpected, and many of them are a result of incorrect use of birth control. But with a variety of contraceptives available, getting a simple method that works best for you is not a big task. Long-acting reversible contraceptives, like intrauterine devices (IUDs) and hormonal implants, are extremely effective because they have a 99% success rate. These are inserted by the healthcare specialist once, and you don’t have to remember to do anything day to day. After 3 to 10 years, as advised by your healthcare provider or as specified by the device, you need to visit your healthcare provider’s clinic to have it removed or replaced. Moreover, if you select another birth control measure, you need to follow the right steps to ensure its correct use.
Correct use is most effective!
Most birth control measures are very safe, but for them to work, you must be careful while using them in the right way. Human behaviour is one of the most common reasons birth control fails. The risk of unplanned pregnancy is largely associated with the way you use your contraceptives, whether you are taking a pill daily, using a condom, changing a vaginal ring or a new patch at the right time. Using other medications, such as anti-epileptic medication, may interfere with the effectiveness of your contraception.
For those who are taking the pill, other conditions such as diarrhoea, vomiting can also interfere with the effectiveness of the pills. The lowest chance of an unplanned pregnancy is associated with long-acting contraceptives such as implants and IUSs. Certain contraceptive measures require you to remember more than others. The less you have to remember, the less you can commit mistakes. It is recommended to use hormonal contraception for protection against pregnancy.
Here are the nine mistakes people make with birth control measures.
- Not using a condom
Condoms are known to be one of the best and safest birth control measures available. They are very effective in protecting against sexually transmitted diseases. But many couples choose not to use a condom and instead opt for the withdrawal method. This is one of the most common birth control mistakes that couple commits. However, they fail to understand that even pre-cum may contain enough sperm to impregnate a woman. Therefore, it is extremely important to use a condom correctly before any genital contact.
- Using the wrong lubricant
Most of the commonly used oils or oil-based lubricants, such as Vaseline, baby oil and mineral oil-based body lotions, can significantly weaken the effectiveness of latex condoms. Instead of using these lubricants, opt for water or silicone-based lubricants, which are available in various drug stores and supermarkets.
- Long nails damage the contraceptive sponges
It is preferable to keep the nails short as they can nick or tear the contraceptive sponges during insertion. This can significantly reduce its effectiveness. There is always a chance for small nicks or tears to become bigger during intercourse. So, the best solution would be to cut nails short.
- Irregularities in consuming birth control pills
In case a woman forgets to take the right dosage of birth control pills that the doctor has prescribed, then it becomes necessary to have a backup birth control plan for that week. Mistakes people make with birth control are that they don’t take the pill at the scheduled time. Missing three or more combinations of birth control pills can nullify the effect for the next seven days.
- Not exploring all the options
One of the common birth control pill mistakes is that couples don’t remember to take their pills every day. In such cases, birth control injections can be of great help. The effect of these injections lasts up to 3 months. Some other birth control methods that can be opted for include sponges, rings, patches and diaphragms.
- Choosing the wrong pill
To ensure that pregnancy prevention pills are effective, it is necessary to choose the best ones available in the market. Many people choose to buy contraceptives without medical guidance, which is one of the reasons birth control fails to work. In addition, such birth control pill mistakes can lead to an unplanned pregnancy. A doctor can tell exactly which pill would be best suited to your requirements.
- No backup option
It is essential always to have a backup plan when trying to avoid an unplanned pregnancy. It has been observed that no birth control backup is needed if a woman has started taking a combination pill within five days after the period starts. Backup is also not needed for getting a contraceptive implant (Implanon). At other times, a backup plan is surely needed. For instance, in a case where a condom may break or slip off, it is preferable to opt for an emergency contraceptive pill immediately.
- Removing the sponge early
Contraceptive sponges work effectively only when left in place for at least six hours after intercourse. Similarly, diaphragms need to be kept in place for six to eight hours after intercourse.
- Depending on the spermicide
It is preferable to avoid using spermicide on its own as it can provide very little protection against pregnancy. It is advisable to use a spermicide with other contraceptives, such as a condom.
Takeaway!
Various birth control measures provide effective protection against unwanted pregnancy. However, couples need to remember the mistakes mentioned above and avoid them strictly.
