5 Reasons for Contraceptive Failure

1. Not following instructions for use of contraceptive correctly. If you take the Pill, take it at the same time every day and make sure you follow all directions for your particular pill. If you use condoms, make sure you are using them properly and that the condoms you use are in good condition before use. If you use a diaphragm or cervical cap, make sure it covers your cervix as directed by your clinician. Women who use the IUD should follow their clinician's instructions for checking that the IUD is in place each month.
   
   
2. Inconsistent use of contraceptive. Contraceptives must be used regularly and according to instructions to achieve maximum effectiveness. If you use oral contraceptives and forget to take just one birth control pill, you are increasing your risk of becoming pregnant. Barrier methods of contraception such as condoms, cervical caps, and diaphragms must be used consistently to be effective. Women who practice natural family planning must use it precisely and consistently for effective pregnancy prevention. Remember all it takes is one unprotected act of sexual intercourse to become pregnant.
   
   
3. Condoms broken during sex. An estimated 2 to 5 percent of condoms break or tear during use. Most often, this is caused by misuse; not using enough water-based lubrication can cause condom damage, as can creating tiny tears with jewelry, fingernails, among other objects. Condoms that are past the expiration date; that have been stored improperly; damaged during or after manufacture; or that are improperly used are other possible causes of condom failure. Vaginal spermicides should always be used with condoms to help decrease the possibility of pregnancy should condom failure occur. More About Condom FAQs
   
   
4. Use of antibiotics or other drugs or herbs with oral contraceptive birth control pills. Antibiotics have been found to interfere with the effectiveness of combination oral contraceptives by decreasing steroid hormone plasma concentrations. Women who use combined oral contraceptives should use an alternative method of contraception during months that they take antibiotics; the recommendations from the journal Contraceptive Technologies include the use of an alternative contraceptive for the longer of either the length of antibiotic therapy or 14 days, plus 7 additional days. This plan should be implemented on Day 1 of antibiotic therapy.
   
   
5. Believing that you can't get pregnant on your period, or that it's not your fertile period and feeling that it is safe "just this one time." Pregnancy normally occurs mid-cycle; however, many women have become pregnant on their periods and at other times of the month you might normally considered your non-fertile period. Researchers from the National Institute of Environmental Health found that it is potentially possible to become pregnant on almost any day of your menstrual cycle.
   
   By believing this sort of untruth, not only are you taking a chance that an unplanned pregnancy will occur, but you are also increasing your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease or infection. Unless you are in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship, condoms must be used during each and every act of sexual intercourse to lower your risk of developing a sexually transmitted disease that could affect your future fertility or even cause death.
   
   Remember birth control pills and other methods of contraception do not offer any protection against STDs -- only the consistent and proper use of condoms provides that protection.

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