Can you get pregnant after taking birth control pills?

Jun 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Lu

Introduction

Whether one can get pregnant after taking contraceptive pills depends on the specific circumstances. If taken correctly, contraceptive pills are generally effective in preventing pregnancy. However, if not taken properly, they may fail to provide contraception. When using contraceptive pills, it is essential to carefully read the instructions, take them at the specified time and dosage, and pay attention to the expiration date and storage method of the contraceptive pills.

Whether taking contraceptive pills will lead to pregnancy needs to be determined based on specific circumstances. If taken correctly, contraceptive pills are generally effective in preventing pregnancy. However, if not taken properly, they may fail to prevent pregnancy. A detailed analysis is as follows:

The main function of contraceptive pills is to inhibit ovulation and alter cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to penetrate, or reduce glycogen production in uterine glands, making the uterine environment less suitable for embryo survival. If contraceptive pills are taken correctly, are within their expiration date, and stored properly, they are generally effective in preventing pregnancy, and pregnancy usually does not occur after taking them.

However, if contraceptive pills are used irregularly—for example, frequently forgetting to take them, missing doses, or delaying doses—the contraceptive effectiveness significantly decreases, and the risk of pregnancy increases. Additionally, emergency contraception can reduce the risk of pregnancy if taken within 72 hours after sexual intercourse, but its effectiveness is not as reliable or stable as that of regular contraceptive pills.

When using contraceptive pills for birth control, it is essential to carefully read the instructions, take the pills at the specified time and dosage, and pay attention to the expiration date and proper storage methods.

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Can a woman get pregnant without breaking the hymen?

The hymen is generally referred to as the vaginal membrane. Under normal circumstances, pregnancy is still possible even if the vaginal membrane remains intact, although the probability is relatively low. Whether or not pregnancy occurs primarily depends on whether sperm meets and fertilizes an egg, rather than on the integrity of the vaginal membrane. It's important to note that if you do not plan to become pregnant, protective measures should be taken during any intimate contact, regardless of whether the vaginal membrane is intact.

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What are the reasons for questioning the effectiveness of fertility awareness-based (calendar) methods of contraception?

A woman's ovulation time can be affected by emotions, stress, environment, and other factors, potentially causing it to occur earlier or later than expected. This can render the originally calculated safe period inaccurate and increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. For women with irregular menstrual cycles, it is difficult to accurately predict ovulation and the safe period. Relying on this method for contraception significantly increases the likelihood of failure due to miscalculation.