Five Reasons for Contraceptive Failure
from www.about.com
Fifty-three percent of unplanned pregnancies occur in women who are using contraceptives. The majority of unplanned pregnancies, 76% of them in 1994, occur in women over the age of 20 according to a 1999 article in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA, 1999;282:1359-1364).
Why are so many women getting pregnant while practicing birth control?
- 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.
- 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.
- Condoms broken during sex.
to read the rest of this articile visit: http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/birthcontrol/l/blcontraceptfai.htm
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