• Published on: Nov 03, 2021
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Can A Person Get Pregnant While Taking The Pill?

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Can a person get pregnant while taking the pill?

Your doctor originally prescribed it for one reason, to prevent pregnancy

Many women use hormonal contraceptives in conjunction with other forms of contraception for added protection, but that's up to the individual or couple. Methods like condoms or diaphragms may also be more suitable for contexts where a woman is more concerned about STDs than about getting pregnant, such as same-sex relationships or long-distance relationships.

Birth control pill does not protect against STDs or other infection. The pill should be used in conjunction with a condom to prevent pregnancy and STDS. Women should also take precautions when consuming beverages containing alcohol while taking the birth control pill. This is because high levels of alcohol can interfere with contraception and increase a woman's risk of unprotected sex. Drinking a few alcoholic drinks doesn't mean you won't get pregnant, so it's important for women to always practice safe sex too.

Withdrawal bleeding, the monthly menstrual cycle, and ovulation all happen because of a hormone called progesterone. A person typically takes pills for 21 days followed by a pill-free period of seven days. During that time, their body doesn't produce any progesterone and levels gradually rise until they reach the maximum level in the middle of the cycle. The estrogen levels in her body will also increase during this time, which is what helps keep her reproductive tract in shape to support pregnancy. Pregnancy depends on cells lining up just right but that can't happen if there's no risk of exposure to sperm or if there are enough artificial hormones in play to disrupt them when they have lined up well enough.

If an egg is released while the woman is on her period and sperm can make their way to it, fertilization may occur; this is called ovulation. Pregnancy will not necessarily be avoided by using a contraceptive such as a pill if sex during your period occurs at some point when you are on active pills and ovulating.

If a person who is taking hormonal contraceptives is sexually active and also ovulatory, and there was unprotected intercourse around the time of ovulation, they can get pregnant. And contraceptive pills with estrogen do not sterilize women. If a woman is considering using the pharmaceutical as an option to not get pregnant, she must still think about other methods such as surgical sterilization or IUDs as well as having two forms of birth control every day-a form for prevention of pregnancy and another form for STD protection. If you take off your condom but use no other contraception you can get pregnant! Be safe :) And try always wearing a condom even on oral sex!

About 1 in every 4 pregnancies are the result of women who are taking oral contraceptives - which means, statistically speaking, it could happen to you! The birth control pill is designed to work primarily by preventing ovulation. A woman's estrogen and progesterone levels do not need to be low for her to become pregnant because she can still release eggs even while on birth control- although these eggs will most likely be immature and won't produce a fertilizable zygote that will attach to the uterine wall.

There is a short time space during which the woman taking birth control pills can get pregnant, and this time-space varies from 4-6 days depending on the type of pill that she's taking. Pregnancy is a possibility any time you have unprotected sex, or even when your birth control fails for whatever reason. The pill does not provide protection from STDs and the female birth control shot may also have unwanted side effects like weight gain and menstrual changes. Coworkers of mine got pregnant while still taking the pill because they forgot to take them one day (sleepy-time effect).

It's possible to get pregnant while on the pill if there is no condom used during sexual encounters between two people who are sexually active with each other because pregnancy can happen at any point in a woman’s monthly cycle. It has been proven that some babies will be born missing parts of their bodies.

The only foolproof method of not getting pregnant while taking the pill is to stick to one type and take the pills in the right way every day so that no "mistakes" can occur. The pill does not always block ovulation, so the person could get pregnant even while taking the pill. In fact, 5-8% of women on oral contraceptives get pregnant each year and evidence suggests this is because their pills aren't working properly. The chance of pregnancy while on birth control pills is also increased if a woman misses two or more consecutive doses due to less hormone in her system that week.

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Dry Eyes Syndrome: Symptoms and Solutions

Dry Eyes Syndrome: Symptoms and Solutions

Dry, itchy eyes are more than just annoying—they could be a sign of Dry Eyes Syndrome. With increased screen use and changing environments, this condition is becoming more common across all age groups.

Let’s break down the symptoms, causes, and most importantly—solutions for dry eyes syndrome in a simple and effective way.

 

What Is Dry Eyes Syndrome?

Dry Eyes Syndrome (also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca) happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. As a result, your eyes can’t stay comfortably moist, which leads to irritation and vision problems.

 

Common Symptoms of Dry Eyes Syndrome

If you experience two or more of these symptoms often, you might be dealing with dry eyes:

1. Gritty or Sandy Feeling

It may feel like something is stuck in your eye, even when it’s not.

2. Redness

Due to inflammation, dry eyes often appear bloodshot.

3. Itching or Burning Sensation

Especially noticeable when outdoors, in air-conditioned rooms, or near fans.

4. Watery Eyes

Yes—dry eyes can paradoxically cause more tears, but they’re usually poor-quality and evaporate quickly.

5. Blurry Vision or Light Sensitivity

This is caused by unstable tear film or irritation on the cornea.

 

What Causes Dry Eyes Syndrome?

There are many possible causes:

  • Prolonged screen time
     

  • Aging (especially after age 50)
     

  • Contact lens use
     

  • Autoimmune diseases (like Sjögren’s syndrome)
     

  • Dry climates or excessive air conditioning
     

  • Certain medications like antihistamines or antidepressants
     

  • Eye surgeries, including LASIK
     

 

Tests You Can Do (Available at SecondMedic.com)

You may be advised to undergo:

  • Schirmer’s Test: Measures tear production.
     

  • Tear breakup time: Checks how quickly tears evaporate.
     

  • Ocular surface staining: Identifies eye surface damage.
     

SecondMedic offers diagnostic options through partner labs like Thyrocare, with home sample collection available.

 

How to Treat Dry Eyes Syndrome

1. Use Artificial Tears

These eye drops provide temporary relief. Use preservative-free types for long-term use.

2. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce digital eye strain.

3. Increase Omega-3 Intake

Foods like walnuts, flaxseeds, and salmon help improve tear quality.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water a day to maintain tear production.

5. Use a Humidifier

Especially in air-conditioned rooms or during winter months to retain moisture in the air.

6. Warm Compresses

Apply a warm, damp cloth on closed eyes to help unblock oil glands that lubricate the eyes.

7. Blink More Often

Especially when reading or using screens. Deliberate blinking keeps your eyes moist.

 

When to See a Doctor

If symptoms persist even after trying basic solutions, it’s time to see an ophthalmologist. You may need prescription eye drops, tear duct plugs, or treatments for underlying causes.

 

Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Dry Eyes

  • Avoid direct airflow from fans, heaters, or air conditioners.
     

  • Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors.
     

  • Take regular screen breaks.
     

  • Remove makeup properly each night to prevent gland blockage.
     

  • Don’t rub your eyes—it worsens dryness and irritation.
     

 

Conclusion

Dry Eyes Syndrome may sound minor, but if left untreated, it can seriously affect your comfort and vision. The good news? It's manageable with a mix of home care, lifestyle changes, and medical support.

If you notice signs of Dry Eyes Syndrome: Symptoms and Solutions, don’t ignore them—get your eyes tested and treated early. Relief is closer than you think.

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