 Is the pill reliable? The pill is as reliable as the person taking it. Taken as directed, the pill is highly effective in preventing pregnancy - 99%9 These are the two main reasons why the pill might not work: Combined pill
Missing a pill or forgetting to take one or more pills at the right time. POP (progestogen-only pill, or mini-pill)
Forgetting to take the pill at exactly the same time every day (within 3 hours: the mini-pill is marginally less effective than the combined pill). Do remember
Certain drugs, for example some antibiotics, can interfere with the effectiveness of the pill. Check with your doctor when you get a prescription. Vomiting and diarrhoea can both stop the pill from working (even if you've only been sick once). Use a back up method of contraception (e.g. condom) for the whole of the rest of that pack of pills until you start your next pack. |