According to research, most American women between the ages of 15 and 49 use contraception. Further, birth control pills are one of the most common forms of contraception. When taken correctly, the pill is 99.9% effective; to ensure this is the case for you, consult your OB-GYN and avoid these common mistakes. 

Common Birth Control Mistakes to Avoid

1. Failing to Follow the Schedule

Regardless of which type of birth control pill you’re taking—one that has both estrogen and progestin, or one that has progestin-only—you must take it at the same time every day for it to be effective. When you don't stick to a schedule, chances are the pill won't keep you from ovulating, and you’re more likely to get pregnant. 

To ensure you remember to take the pill, set a daily alarm, or write it down in your planner. If you’ve missed a day, take two the following day to return to schedule and use a backup birth control method such as condoms. However, if you miss more than two pills, contact your OB-GYN about next steps and stick with your backup plan.

2. Taking Medication That Affects Birth Control

The birth control pill adjusts your hormones to prevent pregnancy. Certain medications you’re taking might also affect the hormones in your body, thus rendering your birth control ineffective. For example, drugs that treat epilepsy, and various vitamins and supplements, all affect your hormones.

Before you begin birth control, talk to your OB-GYN about all the medications you take to ensure they won't inhibit birth control. Further, inform them when you go on new medications and tell other doctors that you’re on contraception.

3. Improper Storage & Smoking 

Birth control pills should be stored at room temperature and away from sunlight and moisture. Avoid keeping them in your car or another place that might be subject to extreme temperatures. Further, keep them out of reach of children, or you might put their health and your birth control routine at risk. If you feel your birth control has been stored improperly and might have become degraded, use backup birth control until it’s time for a new pack. 

Smoking will increase your chances of adverse side effects associated with birth control, such as blood clots. If you’re older than 35, especially, you’ll want to consider quitting smoking before you go on the pill.

Find the birth control option that’s best for you with the help of Advanced OB-GYN Services in Saint Peters and Bridgeton, MO. Dr. Joseph Hazan is a board-certified OB-GYN who has been practicing for over 30 years; he and his compassionate team provide a range of services for patients including gynecological exams, ultrasounds, infertility counseling, and osteoporosis evaluations. They’re committed to providing affordable service, and thus, accept insurance and create payment plans. For experienced OB-GYN services in St. Peters, call (636) 928-1800. In Bridgeton, call (314) 291-2140. For a full list of services, visit them online.