Can you have unprotected sex on the pill?
In this article, we will take a look into a common question many individuals have regarding the effectiveness of oral contraceptive pills. We will answer whether relying solely on the pill provides adequate protection against pregnancy, explore what the pill protects you from, and offer insight into where you can purchase the pill from. Remaining safe is paramount when you are sexually active, and informing yourself about safe sex is a great place to start.
Can you have unprotected sex on the pill?
The term "unprotected sex" typically refers to sexual intercourse without the use of any form of contraception to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections, also known as STIs. When it comes to the contraceptive pill, its primary function is to prevent pregnancy. As stated by the NHS, the contraceptive pill is typically 99% effective, although, different pills have different levels of effectiveness.
It's essential to note that while the contraceptive pill is highly effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly, it does not protect against STIs. So, if you define protection as safeguarding against both pregnancy and STIs, then the pill alone would not do. While the pill provides effective contraception, it's crucial to consider your overall sexual health and use additional protection, such as condoms, if preventing STIs is also a concern.
Can you have unprotected sex during your pill break?
During the pill break, which typically occurs at the end of a 21-day active pill pack (or during the placebo week of a 28-day pack), you are still protected against pregnancy if you've been taking your pills correctly up to that point, according to Planned Parenthood.
While the pill break itself does not diminish the contraceptive effectiveness of the pill you've been taking, it's important to understand that ovulation can potentially occur during this time, especially if pills are missed or taken incorrectly. This means there is a slightly increased risk of pregnancy during the pill break compared to when you're taking active pills.
If you engage in sexual activity during the pill break and want to ensure contraception, using additional protection such as condoms is advisable, especially if you've missed pills or are unsure about your pill-taking consistency.
Is it safe to have unprotected sex if I forget to take the pill?
Forgetting to take the contraceptive pill as prescribed can compromise its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy. The extent of risk depends on several factors, including which pill you're taking, how many pills you've missed, and where you are in your menstrual cycle. According to the NHS, The Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare “advises using extra contraception for 2 days after you remember to take your pill”.
If you find yourself frequently forgetting to take your pill or are concerned about its effectiveness, discussing alternative contraceptive options with a healthcare professional is recommended to find the most suitable method for you.
Will the pill protect against STIs?
No, the contraceptive pill does not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The primary function of the contraceptive pill is to prevent pregnancy. To back this up, the official NHS advice if you are using the pill is to also use a condom to help protect you and your partner from STIs. While the pill is highly effective at preventing pregnancy when taken correctly, it does not provide any barrier against STIs in the same way a condom will.
Is the pill available at EU Meds?
Yes, at EU Meds, we have a number of different contraceptive pills that you can purchase from us online. To determine which contraceptive pill might be best for you, you may wish to have a conversation with your doctor for advice tailored to your circumstances. You can purchase a number of different contraceptive pills, including but not limited to Dianette, Yasmin, Microgynon, and Cerazette.
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