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What are my Chances of Getting Pregnant on Different Types of Birth Control?

There are many different types of birth control, and each has its own set of pros and cons when it comes to pregnancy prevention. In this guide, you’ll learn about the effectiveness of various types of birth control and how they compare to one another, plus important things to consider before you choose your birth control method.


Birth Control Pill


The birth control pill is one of your most reliable forms of contraception, though it’s not perfect. For example, women who are overweight or obese have a slightly higher risk for getting pregnant while taking oral contraceptives. In addition, about 9 in 100 women may become pregnant in a year of starting oral contraceptives. Most unplanned pregnancies happen because couples fail to use contraception properly; if you’re at high risk for pregnancy (if you haven’t gone through menopause), take your pills more than three hours apart or skip them altogether and you may be at increased risk.


Male Condom


The male condom is one of the oldest forms of birth control and can provide a nice level of protection from pregnancy. However, it’s not completely foolproof—it’s possible to break, come off or have an accidental slippage during intercourse. If you use condoms for birth control, you have about a 15 percent chance (or higher) of getting pregnant in any given year. That said, if you're only having unprotected sex once every few months, that might be enough protection for your needs. In addition to birth control benefits, condoms also offer protection against sexually transmitted diseases and even HIV. Most health insurance plans cover condoms with no additional cost after age 18. Keep in mind that not all brands work equally well—some may break more easily than others.


Intrauterine Device (IUD)


Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are small, T-shaped devices inserted into your uterus by a health care provider that prevent pregnancy. There are two kinds of IUDs available in the United States: Paragard and Mirena. Paragard is a copper IUD, which means it contains no hormones. Because Paragard doesn’t contain hormones, it doesn’t protect against HIV/AIDS or other STDs and you should use condoms to reduce your risk for contracting an STD if you choose to use Paragard as birth control. If you want to avoid hormonal side effects, Mirena is a good option because it uses a low dose of progesterone. As with all forms of birth control, using an IUD does not guarantee that you won’t get pregnant. But studies show that less than 1 percent of women who have had their IUDs inserted become pregnant within one year of having it put in place. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends considering getting an IUD if you are looking for long-term protection from pregnancy but don't want to take daily medication or have surgery.


The Shot (Depo-Provera)


Depo-Provera is a long-lasting injectable contraceptive that’s given once every three months. It prevents pregnancy by stopping ovulation, thickening cervical mucus and lowering sperm count. The shot has been proven to be one of the most effective forms of birth control (the CDC says it’s 99 percent effective when used perfectly). The key word there is perfectly—it can be less effective when women don’t get their shots at a regular interval or fail to remember to use backup birth control immediately after getting their shots. What are your chances if you do it wrong? According to the CDC, about seven out of 100 women will become pregnant each year while using Depo-Provera as their only form of contraception. That number jumps up to 10 out of 100 for those who aren’t getting their shots regularly.

Knowledge is Key

So there you have it. Condoms and birth control methods like Depo-Provera offer women extremely effective contraception, and can prevent unplanned pregnancies if they’re used correctly. However, they can’t prevent them 100% of the time—unprotected sex is always a risk with condoms, just as it is with birth control pills. In many ways, modern contraceptives bring us closer to our goal of lowering unplanned pregnancy rates. Make sure you do your research about your particular method of choice and make an appointment with ACPC Women's Clinic or pharmacist about any questions or concerns you might have.

Sources:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Contraception.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019, www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/contraception/index.htm.
  • Henigsman, Stacy A. “Can You Get Pregnant While on the Pill: 5 Ways It Can Happen.” Www.medicalnewstoday.com, 11 Mar. 2022, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322799#effectiveness.
  • American College, of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. “Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Implants and Intrauterine Devices.” Www.acog.org, Nov. 2017, www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2017/11/long-acting-reversible-contraception-implants-and-intrauterine-devices.


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Alcohol and Sexual Health: The Impact on Your Life

April 2, 2025
There is no denying the fact that alcohol has become an integral part of our lives, be it for socializing or as a stress buster. But do you know how it affects your sexual health? Let’s delve deeper into the topic. How Alcohol Affects the Brain and Body Alcohol acts as a depressant that slows down your brain’s activity. As a result, your body’s natural reaction time slows down, and your judgment and coordination are affected. Consuming alcohol affects your nervous system and brain activity, leading to a lack of control over one’s thoughts and behavior. In addition to affecting one’s inhibitions, drinking alcohol can also impair your senses. The Link Between Alcohol and Sexual Dysfunction One of the major impacts of alcohol on your sexual health is that it leads to erectile dysfunction (ED) in men and loss of sex drive in both men and women. This happens because alcohol impairs the central nervous system and lowers the testosterone level. Furthermore, long-term heavy drinking leads to infertility in both men and women. Therefore, it’s important to maintain a healthy alcohol intake if you wish to preserve your sexual health. Increased Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Consuming too much alcohol increases your vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals who binge-drink (five or more drinks at one time) have higher chances of engaging in risky sexual behaviors. Additionally, when intoxicated, individuals are less likely to use protection, increasing their chances of contracting STIs. Alcohol, Abuse, and Sexual Violence Alcohol abuse and sexual violence go hand-in-hand. There is an alarming rise in the number of sexual assault cases globally. Consumption of alcohol can increase one’s vulnerability and also affect one’s decision-making skills, leading to making poor judgments that may have lasting implications. In conclusion, we must acknowledge the fact that alcohol plays a vital role in our lives. Still, it’s imperative to realize that too much alcohol consumption negatively impacts our health. Alcohol intake in moderation will not only maintain our overall health but also ensure healthy sexual relationships. By maintaining healthy habits, we can take control of our lives and have healthy relationships with ourselves and our partners. So drink responsibly and take care of your health!
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3 Tips to Navigate College as a Mom

March 3, 2025
College student moms have a lot on their plate. Not only do they have to balance coursework, but they also have to manage motherhood responsibilities. This can be a daunting task, but fear not, here are some pieces of advice to help you navigate through college life as a mom. 1. Prioritize Your Responsibilities. It's crucial to keep a clear understanding of your priorities to ensure you're not neglecting your motherly duties. Stay organized by keeping a planner, where you can write down important deadlines, appointments, and assignments. Having a plan of action will not only help you avoid unnecessary stress but will also help you stay on track. 2. Seek Out Support Networks Being a mom in college can be isolating at times, but having a support system can be immensely beneficial. Connect with other student mothers through clubs, online communities, or even social media groups. Additionally, most universities offer childcare services for students, which can ease the burden of childcare responsibilities. 3. Don't Be Afraid to ask for Help This applies to both academic and personal life. College can be challenging, but seeking academic assistance can go a long way. Make use of resources like academic advisors, tutors, and professors' office hours. On the other hand, don't be shy about asking family or friends for help when it comes to looking after your children. You might also consider getting a part-time babysitter if necessary. Finally, remember to take care of yourself. Taking care of your mental and physical well-being is critical, especially when juggling motherhood and college. Carve out time in your day to exercise, relax, or even indulge in your hobbies. Taking breaks from studying can help you stay focused and boost your productivity. In conclusion, being a college student mom is not easy, but it's possible to navigate with these tips. Remember, prioritize, seek support networks, ask for help, and take care of yourself. Keep your end goal in sight, and don't forget to enjoy the journey!
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Understanding Ectopic Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

February 12, 2025
Pregnancy is a life-changing experience, but complications can arise that require immediate medical attention. One such complication is an ectopic pregnancy, a condition that affects approximately 1 in 50 pregnancies. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help women seek timely medical care and prevent life-threatening complications. What Is an Ectopic Pregnancy? An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in the fallopian tube. However, implantation can also occur in the ovary, abdominal cavity, or cervix. Because these locations are not designed to support a growing embryo, an ectopic pregnancy cannot proceed normally and requires medical intervention. Causes and Risk Factors While ectopic pregnancies can happen to anyone, certain factors increase the risk: Previous ectopic pregnancy – A history of ectopic pregnancy increases the likelihood of recurrence. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) – Infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause scarring in the fallopian tubes. Tubal surgery – Previous surgeries on the fallopian tubes can lead to blockages or scarring. Endometriosis – This condition can cause tissue growth that affects the movement of the fertilized egg. Use of fertility treatments – Assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), can slightly increase the risk. Smoking – Studies suggest that smoking may interfere with the function of the fallopian tubes. Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy Ectopic pregnancies often present symptoms similar to those of a normal pregnancy, making early detection challenging. Common symptoms include: Abdominal or pelvic pain – Often sharp and concentrated on one side Vaginal bleeding – Light spotting or heavier bleeding unrelated to menstruation Shoulder pain – A sign of internal bleeding that irritates the diaphragm Dizziness or fainting – May indicate blood loss and shock in severe cases If you experience any of these symptoms, especially with a positive pregnancy test, seek medical attention immediately. Diagnosis and Treatment Doctors diagnose ectopic pregnancy through blood tests to measure hCG (pregnancy hormone) levels and ultrasounds to locate the pregnancy. If an ectopic pregnancy is confirmed, treatment options include: Medication (Methotrexate): If detected early, doctors may prescribe methotrexate to stop the embryo from growing and allow the body to absorb the tissue naturally. Surgery: If the pregnancy is advanced or causing internal bleeding, laparoscopic surgery may be required to remove the ectopic tissue and, in some cases, the affected fallopian tube. Emotional and Physical Recovery Recovering from an ectopic pregnancy can be both physically and emotionally challenging. While the physical recovery time varies, many women experience grief and loss. Seeking support from loved ones, counseling, or support groups can be helpful. Can You Get Pregnant Again? Having an ectopic pregnancy does not mean you cannot conceive in the future. Many women go on to have healthy pregnancies, though the risk of another ectopic pregnancy is higher. Consulting a doctor before trying to conceive again can help assess risks and plan for a healthy pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy is a serious but treatable condition. Awareness of the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options can help ensure early detection and appropriate medical care. If you suspect you may have an ectopic pregnancy, seeking prompt medical attention could be life-saving.
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