Birth control does not interfere with pregnancy test results. As soon as you get pregnant, your body starts to produce a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Stix pregnancy tests detect this hormone and displays the result after five minutes. Birth control hormones do not interfere with hCG.
Can taking birth control cause a false positive pregnancy test?
Though pregnancy tests are highly accurate, there’s still room for error. A few issues can affect your results, but your birth control pill isn’t one of them. The hormones in your birth control pill don’t affect a test’s ability to detect hCG.
Does birth control trick your body into thinking it’s pregnant?
The birth control pill works by essentially tricking the body into thinking it’s pregnant. When a sperm fertilizes an egg, the woman’s estrogen and progesterone levels change to prevent future ovulation. Birth control pills work in the same way.
What happens if I don’t take my birth control at the same time?
Not only will that consistency increase the effectiveness of the pill, but sticking to a schedule will make it easier to remember to take it at all. If you take the pill every day at the same time, there is a 1% chance you will get pregnant. This chance increases if you miss your pill.
What happens if I take my birth control 5 hours late?
If you’re late to take a pill or forgot one day’s pill, take it as soon as you can. Then take the rest of your pills like normal. You may end up taking two pills in one day to stay on schedule. You should use another type of birth control for the next 7 days if you missed a pill during the first week of a new pack.
What happens if I take my birth control 6 hours late?
First, the short answer: If you miss a pill, you should take the pill you missed as soon as you can. If you take the pill less than 24 hours after you were supposed to and it’s not the first week of a new pack, you don’t need a back-up method—just take the pill you missed and relax.
What if I take my birth control 8 hours late?
If you missed 1 hormonal pill (by 24–48 hours) or if you are simply late taking 1 pill (for less than 24 hours), you should: Take the late or missed pill as soon as possible. Continue taking the remaining pills at the usual time (even if it means taking two pills on the same day).
How many hours late is considered a missed pill?
contraception, such as condoms, for the first 7 days of pill taking. missing pills depends on when pills are missed and how many pills are missed. A pill is late when you have forgotten to take it at the usual time. A pill has been missed when it is more than 24 hours since the time you should have taken it.
How do you know if you’re pregnant on the pill?
Women who get pregnant while using birth control may notice the following signs and symptoms: a missed period. implantation spotting or bleeding. tenderness or other changes in the breasts.
Can you get pregnant on the 7 day pill break?
If your pill is “Progesterone only” you probably already take your pill every day and shouldn’t be taking breaks at all. If you have taken more than a 7 day break or missed a pill in the first or last week of your packet you might be at risk of pregnancy.
Can I get pregnant on my week off the pill?
Yes. When you’re on the pill, it’s okay to have sex anytime, even during your period week — the week when you don’t take the pill or take placebo pills instead. As long as you’ve been taking your pill every day and starting your pill packs on time, you’re protected from pregnancy even during that off week.
What is Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is an injection containing the synthetic hormone progestin which is called depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). Depo-Provera is a hormonal method of contraception obtained by prescription.
How does Depo-Provera work?
Depo-Provera works through the synthetic hormone (DMPA) which helps regulate a woman’s ovaries similar to
the way the natural hormone progesterone works.
Depo-Provera prevents pregnancy in one of three ways:
- First, it prevents the ovaries from releasing an egg, which is also known as ovulation.
- Second, it thickens the cervical mucus which acts as a barrier preventing the sperm from reaching the egg.
- Third, it changes the lining of the uterus preventing implantation. Ethical Consideration
How do you use Depo-Provera?
Depo-Provera is a prescription and the injection is obtained from your healthcare provider every 11 to 13 weeks. The healthcare provider will inject the synthetic hormone in the upper arm or in the buttocks. The initial injection is given within the first five days of your menstrual bleeding. Follow up injections are repeated every 11 to 13 weeks.
How effective is it?
Depo-Provera has a failure rate of less than 1% when it is used correctly and consistently. When used correctly only 3 in 1,000 women will get pregnant. You should take a pregnancy test if you are experiencing any pregnancy symptoms.
What are the side effects or health risks?
Irregular bleeding is the most common side
effect. For some, there may be increased light spotting and breakthrough bleeding, whereas others may experience longer and heavier bleeding. For most women, after a year of use periods usually, become fewer and lighter or may stop altogether.
Depo-Provera has side effects similar to those experienced by users of oral or
other hormonal types of contraception which include:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Moderate weight gain
- Change of appetite
Other reported side effects include acne, anxiety, backaches, bloating, depression, leg cramps, hair loss or excessive hair growth, or loss of sex drive. You should not use the injections if you think you are pregnant; consult your physician about using Depo-Provera while breastfeeding.
When should I contact my healthcare provider?
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Heavy or prolonged vaginal bleeding
- Intense pain in the abdominal area
- Major depression
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Any new lumps in your breast
Women who wish to use Depo-Provera should seek additional consultations with their physician if they are experiencing any of the following medical concerns:
- Depression
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High risk for heart disease
- History of blood clotting conditions
- History of liver disease
Is Depo-Provera reversible?
Yes. However, it may take several months before your cycle returns to normal. Ovulation usually returns within 3 to 6 months for most women; however, it is possible that you may not have your cycle for 12 to 18 months after discontinuing the injections. Pregnancy is possible when you stop using the birth control injections, but it may be delayed. This method of birth control is not recommended for someone who wants to get pregnant quickly after discontinuing use.
How much does Depo-Provera cost?
There are two fees associated with the use of birth control injections:
- the doctor’s visit
- the quarterly injections
Office visits to obtain your prescription and the birth control injections range from $50 to $200; follow up visits for additional injections are usually between $20 to $40. The cost for your quarterly injection ranges between $30 and $75.
Frequently Asked Questions About Depo-Provera:
When does it start to work?
If the injection is given between the first and last day of your menstrual flow, the protection against pregnancy begins immediately.
What if I miss an injection?
If you miss an injection you will need to use another form of birth control until you get your next injection.
What are the pros and cons of Depo-Provera?
The Pros of Depo-Provera include:
- Highly effective when used correctly
- You do not have to remember to take a pill each day
- Does not inhibit sexual spontaneity
- Lighter periods and possibly no period after a year
- Prevents uterine fibroids and has a possible protective effect against endometrial and ovarian cancers
- Does not contain estrogen which may increase the risk of heart problems
The Cons of Depo-Provera include:
- Does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases
- May experience a longer delay in fertility after ceasing the injections
- Requires a prescription and office visits
- Irregular bleeding which may include prolonged or heavier menstrual flow
- Injections may be painful
Want to Know More?
- Types of Birth Control
- Birth Control Failure
- Birth Control Pills
- Birth Control Patch