• 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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Indian Gut Health Crisis: How to Improve Digestion Naturally

Indian Gut Health Crisis: How to Improve Digestion Naturally

In recent years, digestive issues have become increasingly common across India. From bloating and acidity to chronic constipation and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), millions of Indians are silently suffering from poor gut health. With changing food habits, busy lifestyles, and stress, the Indian gut health crisis is real and growing.

But the good news? You can take simple, natural steps to improve your digestion and boost your gut health—without relying on heavy medications.

In this blog, we’ll explore the root causes of the Indian gut health crisis and offer natural ways to improve digestion—right from your kitchen.

 

What Is the Indian Gut Health Crisis?

The term “gut health crisis” refers to the sharp increase in digestive problems among people. In India, several factors are making gut issues worse:

  • High intake of spicy, oily, and processed foods

  • Lack of fiber in the daily diet

  • Stressful lifestyles and irregular sleep

  • Overuse of antibiotics and painkillers

  • Low physical activity

  • Contaminated water or poor hygiene
     

These factors disrupt the balance of “good bacteria” in the stomach—also called the gut microbiome. When these good bacteria are reduced, it leads to poor digestion, inflammation, and even reduced immunity.

 

Common Signs of Poor Gut Health

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms regularly, your gut health may need attention:

  • Frequent bloating or gas

  • Acid reflux or heartburn

  • Constipation or diarrhea

  • Food intolerances

  • Fatigue, even after proper rest

  • Skin problems like acne or eczema

  • Low immunity or frequent infections
     

The gut is called the “second brain” of the body for a reason. It affects everything—from digestion to mental health. That’s why improving your gut health naturally can help your overall well-being.

 

How to Improve Digestion Naturally – Indian Style

Improving digestion doesn’t have to mean expensive treatments. India is blessed with traditional remedies and ingredients that support gut health naturally. Let’s look at what you can do.

 

1. Eat More Fermented Foods

Fermented foods are rich in probiotics, or “good bacteria” that help digestion. Traditional Indian diets already include such foods:

  • Curd (Dahi) – Eat a bowl daily for healthy gut bacteria.

  • Buttermilk (Chaas) – A cooling drink that aids digestion after meals.

  • Pickles (Achar) – Homemade pickles (not store-bought) contain natural fermentation.

  • Idli/Dosa batter – Naturally fermented, easier to digest.
     

Including these in your daily diet can rebuild your gut microbiome over time.

 

2. Add Fiber-Rich Foods to Your Diet

Fiber acts as a broom for your digestive tract. It helps prevent constipation and feeds the good bacteria in your gut.

Include these high-fiber Indian foods:

  • Whole grains like brown rice, jowar, bajra, oats

  • Fruits like papaya, banana, apple, guava

  • Vegetables like carrots, beans, spinach, and beetroot

  • Legumes like chana, rajma, moong dal
     

Aim for at least 25–30 grams of fiber daily.

 

3. Drink Herbal Teas

Herbal teas made with Indian herbs can soothe your digestive system:

  • Ajwain (carom seeds) tea – Great for bloating and gas.

  • Saunf (fennel seed) water – Eases post-meal discomfort.

  • Ginger tea – Reduces inflammation and promotes digestion.

  • Jeera (cumin) water – Helps relieve acidity and improves metabolism.
     

These simple drinks can work wonders when consumed regularly.

 

4. Practice Mindful Eating

We often eat in a rush, in front of screens, or while working. This disturbs the natural digestion process.

Try these mindful habits:

  • Chew your food thoroughly.

  • Eat slowly and avoid distractions.

  • Don’t overeat—listen to your body's signals.

  • Avoid drinking too much water during meals (sip if needed).
     

 

5. Limit Junk Food and Processed Items

Street food, chips, soda, instant noodles—these may taste good but harm your gut. They contain preservatives, bad fats, and artificial flavors that damage gut lining.

Cut back on:

  • Deep-fried snacks

  • Sugary drinks

  • Refined flour (maida)

  • Packaged food and frozen meals
     

Instead, choose home-cooked, seasonal, and fresh meals.

 

6. Stay Hydrated

Water is essential for smooth digestion. It helps break down food and prevents constipation.

  • Drink at least 2–3 liters of water daily.

  • Start your day with warm water with lemon or honey.

  • Coconut water and lime water are also great options in summer.
     

 

7. Stay Active and Manage Stress

Your gut and brain are connected. High stress levels can directly affect your digestion.

  • Practice yoga—especially asanas like Pavanamuktasana and Vajrasana.

  • Walk at least 30 minutes a day.

  • Use deep breathing or meditation to reduce anxiety.

  • Sleep 7–8 hours a night to support digestion and healing.
     

 

8. Avoid Unnecessary Medicines

Overuse of antibiotics, painkillers, and antacids can disturb your gut bacteria.

Always consult a doctor before taking medications—especially long-term.

 

9. Add Prebiotics to Your Diet

Prebiotics are food for probiotics. These are found in:

  • Raw onions

  • Garlic

  • Bananas (especially slightly unripe ones)

  • Whole grains

  • Asparagus
     

Together, prebiotics and probiotics help restore gut balance.

 

Why Gut Health Matters More Than You Think

Good digestion is not just about avoiding gas or bloating. A healthy gut leads to:

  • Better absorption of nutrients

  • Stronger immune system

  • Improved skin and hair

  • Stable mood and energy levels

  • Long-term protection from lifestyle diseases
     

That’s why investing in your gut health naturally is one of the smartest things you can do for your future.

 

Conclusion: Indian Gut Health Crisis – How to Improve Digestion Naturally

The Indian gut health crisis is no longer a hidden issue. It's affecting millions due to poor diet, stress, and lifestyle changes. The good news? You don’t need fancy treatments to heal your gut. By following traditional Indian wisdom—eating right, staying active, managing stress—you can bring your digestive system back into balance.

If you’re facing frequent gut issues, don’t ignore them. Consult a certified doctor, get the right tests, and follow a natural path to healing.

Take your first step towards better gut health today. Book a consultation or wellness package now on SecondMedic and say goodbye to digestive troubles. Let’s beat the Indian Gut Health Crisis: How to Improve Digestion Naturally—together.

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