• 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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How Much Water to Drink Before Blood Test

How Much Water to Drink Before Blood Test

Preparing for a blood test can feel confusing, especially when it comes to fasting and water intake. Many people wonder how much water to drink before blood test and whether water is even allowed. The truth is that staying hydrated plays an important role in getting accurate results and making the blood draw easier and less painful. This guide explains why hydration matters, how much water you need, and how to prepare properly for your blood test.

Why Drinking Water Before a Blood Test Is Important

Your blood is made up of plasma (a fluid) and different types of blood cells. When you are dehydrated, the fluid part of blood reduces, making your blood thicker. Thickened blood is harder to draw and may affect certain test values. On the other hand, drinking water keeps your veins full and easier to access with a needle.

A hydrated body also gives a better quality blood sample, which leads to more accurate results. Lab technicians prefer drawing blood from people who are well-hydrated, as it saves time and reduces discomfort for the patient.

How Much Water Should You Drink?

In most routine blood tests—including fasting tests—you are advised to drink 1–2 full glasses of water (about 250–500 ml) before your appointment. Ideally, drink the water 30–60 minutes before the test. This allows your body to absorb the water and improve circulation.

If your test is in the early morning, simply drink a glass of water after waking up. You can drink another small glass on the way to the lab if required.

Can You Drink Water During Fasting?

Yes. Fasting before a blood test usually refers to avoiding food and drinks that contain calories. Plain water does not have calories or sugars and does not affect blood glucose or cholesterol test results. Therefore, it is safe to drink water unless your doctor specifically advises otherwise.

What You Should Avoid Before a Blood Test

While water is allowed, there are a few liquids which should be avoided before your blood test:

  • Fruit Juice
     

  • Coffee and Tea
     

  • Milk or Milk-based Drinks
     

  • Soft Drinks or Energy Drinks
     

  • Alcohol
     

These drinks contain sugars, caffeine, fats, or alcohol, which can alter blood test results.

Tips for Preparing for a Blood Test

  • Follow the fasting period (typically 8–12 hours) strictly.
     

  • Drink 1–2 glasses of plain water before the test.
     

  • Avoid smoking or chewing gum before the test.
     

  • Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arm.
     

  • Let the nurse know if you feel anxious or have a history of fainting.
     

Who Should Be Extra Careful About Water Intake?

People with heart failure, kidney disease, or fluid-restricted diets should consult their doctor regarding how much water they can drink before a blood test. In such cases, the doctor will give personalised advice on water intake.

What About Specialised Tests?

Most common blood tests (CBC, lipid profile, fasting glucose, LFT, KFT, thyroid, vitamin D/B12) allow water. Only a few specialised tests – such as tests for electrolyte balance or certain hormone tests – may require a stricter fasting protocol. Always check the lab instruction sheet or doctor’s advice before your test.

Takeaway Tips to Remember

  • Water helps: Drinking water improves blood flow and sample quality.
     

  • Recommended amount: 250–500 ml of water (1–2 glasses) is usually enough.
     

  • Avoid calories: Drink only plain water during fasting.
     

  • Ask your doctor: Follow specific instructions if provided for specialised tests.
     

Conclusion

Proper preparation improves the quality of blood test results and makes the experience more comfortable for both you and the healthcare professional. One of the simplest yet most effective steps is to stay hydrated before the test. If you are wondering how much water to drink before blood test, the answer is simple—1 to 2 glasses of plain water 30 to 60 minutes before your appointment is safe and beneficial. Staying hydrated ensures better results, smoother blood collection and a more comfortable experience overall.

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