The Pill

LegacyUser

Hi there,
My GF started using the pill lately after a few breakages in the condom department. I have to say that I get kinda terrified that it mightn't work though. Frankly sex is better without condoms and very hard to go back so just looking for clarification on the pill.
She's using microlite which she said is one of the weakest one's? How hard is it to get pregnant when using the pill and can a cold affect it?

dudara

The chances of getting pregnant while on the pill are very slight, as long as the pill is taken correctly in accordance with the instructions in the packet.

It is crucial that she follows the instruction carefully when ill, vomiting, diahorrea or on antibiotics. All these can potentially affect the effectiveness of the pill.

It is my understanding that Microlite is not a "weak" pill in terms of its effectiveness. I think that she may be referring to the fact that it is a combined pill which have low doses of oestrogen. From IrishHealth

All combined pills available in Ireland at present contain a low dose of oestrogen. The main difference is in the second component, the progestogen. Pills containing the older or second generation progestogen appear to be less likely to cause blood clots while pills containing the newer or third generation progestogen are less likely to cause side effects such as irregular bleeding and breast tenderness.

Lastly, if your girlfriend has any further questions about the pill, she should contact her GP or pharmacist with those questions. The more you understand about the pill, the better you can take it and lessen the odds of pregnancy.

Just to add. Taking the pill does not guarantee no pregnancy. It merely significantly reduces the odds. As long as you are having sex, there is always a chance.

LegacyUser

Hi OP,
I got pregnant twice on the pill, both were different makes of pill. I took it exactly as instructed and have met quite a few women who had the same happen.
If the GF is new to the pill I would use condoms too.Most medicines don't affect it but antibiotics definitely do...check with the GP.Also if she vomits when on the pill then it may not be absorbed so won't work.Don't want to scare you just find people are amazed how my eggs zapped the pill.

MizzLolly

Also OP, remember that taking any kind of antibiotics completely destroy the effectiveness of the Pill. I actually had no idea, my doctor never mentioned it to me. I read it here on boards!

b3t4

Not all anti-biotics effect the pill but it's best to play it safe if taking anti-biotics.

Op,

Please make an appointment with your local Irish Family Planning Association. Attend with your girlfriend and ask all the questions you might want to ask. http://www.ifpa.ie/

Pharmacists are also very good.

Support your girlfriend in her decision to protect ye both from pregnancy and get informed.

Also, no contraceptive method is 100% so take that into account. If an unplanned pregnancy is the last thing you want to have to deal with then double up on contraception. (pill + condom) It may feel better without a condom but the extra assurance can make sex even better

A.

LegacyUser

Im gonna get the coil fitted and dont see why every woman doesnt do the same if she doesnt trust the pill or condoms. It's €150 and it's inserted in your womb where it stays for 5 years. If you decide you want to have a baby before that you can get removed. I have a year old so i defo dont want another child and i also had a few scares from being on the pill and getting sick or forgetting to take it everyday.