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

Can A Person Get Pregnant While Taking The Pill?

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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H5N1 Bird Flu: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment India

Bird flu, also known as Avian Influenza, is a viral infection that spreads mainly among birds. One of the most dangerous types is H5N1, which can also infect humans and cause serious illness. In recent months, India has seen a rise in H5N1 bird flu outbreaks across several states, raising concern among health officials and the general public. This blog will help you understand what H5N1 bird flu is, how it spreads, the symptoms to watch out for, treatment options, and how to stay safe.

What is H5N1 Bird Flu?

H5N1 is a type of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. It mainly affects domestic and wild birds but can occasionally infect humans and other animals like cats, tigers, and even pigs. The virus was first discovered in 1997 in Hong Kong and has since caused outbreaks around the world, including India.

The term "H5N1" refers to the two proteins on the virus surface: Hemagglutinin (H5) and Neuraminidase (N1). These determine how the virus infects cells and spreads.

H5N1 Bird Flu in India: The Current Situation

India has reported multiple outbreaks of H5N1 in 2025:

In Andhra Pradesh, eight outbreaks were confirmed, and over 600,000 birds were either killed by the virus or culled to prevent further spread.
A 2-year-old girl from Andhra Pradesh tragically died from H5N1, marking a rare and serious human case.
Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh has also been affected. Authorities have shut down poultry shops and started culling operations.
Other states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Bihar have reported cases in poultry and wild birds.

These outbreaks highlight the urgent need for public awareness and preventive measures.

How Does H5N1 Spread?

H5N1 bird flu spreads mainly from infected birds to other birds and sometimes to humans.

Among Birds:

Direct contact with infected birds (alive or dead)
Contact with droppings, saliva, or feathers
Contaminated feed, water, cages, or tools

From Birds to Humans:

Close contact with infected poultry (handling, cleaning cages)
Eating undercooked or raw poultry products
Visiting live bird markets
Inhaling dust from contaminated bird droppings

It’s important to note that H5N1 does not spread easily from person to person. However, if the virus mutates, it could potentially lead to human-to-human transmission.

Symptoms of H5N1 Bird Flu in Humans

Symptoms of H5N1 infection in humans can appear within 2 to 8 days after exposure. These include:

High fever (above 38°C)
Cough and sore throat
Muscle pain
Shortness of breath
Fatigue and weakness
Eye infections (conjunctivitis)

In more serious cases, the infection can lead to:

Pneumonia
Multi-organ failure
Sepsis
Death

Immediate medical attention is critical if you suspect H5N1 infection.

How is H5N1 Diagnosed?

If a person shows flu-like symptoms and has been exposed to infected birds, doctors may recommend the following tests:

Throat or nasal swab for virus detection
Chest X-ray to check for pneumonia
Blood tests to monitor organ function

Samples are sent to specialized laboratories for confirmation. The National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune is one such testing center in India.

Treatment for H5N1 Bird Flu

There is no specific cure for H5N1, but early treatment can reduce complications. Doctors often use antiviral drugs like:

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
Zanamivir (Relenza)

These medicines work best when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.

Supportive Care Includes:

Oxygen support
Fluids through IV
Fever-reducing medications
Monitoring vital organs

Hospitalization is usually necessary, especially in severe cases.

How to Prevent H5N1 Bird Flu

Personal Precautions:

Wash your hands regularly with soap.
Wear masks and gloves while handling birds or cleaning bird cages.
Avoid touching dead birds.
Cook poultry and eggs thoroughly (internal temperature should reach 70°C).

Avoid:

Visiting live bird markets
Consuming raw or half-cooked eggs
Buying poultry from unlicensed vendors

For Poultry Farmers:

Separate sick birds immediately.
Disinfect poultry areas regularly.
Report unusual bird deaths to local veterinary authorities.
Don’t allow wild birds near poultry areas.

Vaccination:

While poultry vaccines exist, there’s currently no approved vaccine for humans against H5N1. However, scientists are working on new vaccines due to the rising global threat.

Government Steps in India

The Indian government, through the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Ministry of Health, is actively:

Monitoring bird flu outbreaks
Running awareness campaigns
Banning transport of poultry in affected areas
Setting up containment zones
Coordinating with WHO and international health bodies

States like Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh have already taken swift action, including culling and disinfection drives.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor immediately if:

You develop flu-like symptoms after visiting a poultry farm or market
You have handled sick or dead birds recentl
Your symptoms worsen quickly (breathing issues, chest pain)

Early diagnosis and treatment can be life-saving.

Conclusion

The H5N1 bird flu is a serious health concern, especially with the recent rise in cases across India. While the risk of human infection remains low, it’s important to stay informed and cautious. If you handle birds or poultry, take proper safety measures and follow local health advisories.

The key to preventing an outbreak lies in awareness, early detection, and strict hygiene practices. Stay updated on the latest news from official health authorities and avoid panic.

If you want to stay safe and informed, bookmark this guide on "H5N1 Bird Flu: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment India" and share it with your friends and family.

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