• 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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Gastrointestinal Infections in Humid Weather

Gastrointestinal Infections in Humid Weather: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Introduction

With the arrival of the rainy season and rising humidity levels, there’s a sudden spike in health issues—especially those related to the stomach. One of the most common problems during this time is gastrointestinal infections in humid weather. From children to adults, no one is completely safe when it comes to these infections. They may lead to discomfort, dehydration, and even hospitalization if not managed early.

This blog covers the key causes, symptoms, and effective prevention methods for gastrointestinal infections during humid months in India.

 

Why Humid Weather Triggers Gastrointestinal Infections

Humidity creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The combination of moisture and heat increases the risk of food and water contamination. Here’s why gastrointestinal infections are common during this time:

  • Bacterial Growth: Warm and moist conditions allow bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella to multiply faster.
     

  • Contaminated Water: Heavy rains can mix sewage with drinking water supplies, increasing the chances of infection.
     

  • Improper Food Storage: Heat and moisture spoil food quickly, making it a carrier of infections.
     

  • Street Food Consumption: Monsoon cravings often lead people to consume unhygienic street food, increasing the infection risk.
     

 

Common Gastrointestinal Infections in Humid Weather

Some of the most frequently reported infections during humid conditions include:

1. Bacterial Diarrhea

Caused by E. coli, Salmonella, or Campylobacter, this infection results in watery stools, abdominal cramps, and fever.

2. Cholera

Triggered by Vibrio cholerae, cholera spreads through contaminated water and causes severe watery diarrhea and dehydration.

3. Typhoid Fever

Caused by Salmonella typhi, this infection spreads via contaminated food or water and brings symptoms like fever, weakness, and abdominal pain.

4. Hepatitis A & E

These viral infections spread through contaminated water and affect the liver, leading to symptoms like jaundice, nausea, and fatigue.

5. Amoebiasis and Giardiasis

These are parasitic infections often found in contaminated drinking water and cause prolonged diarrhea and stomach pain.

 

Symptoms to Watch Out For

It’s crucial to identify the symptoms early to avoid complications. Look out for:

  • Persistent or watery diarrhea

  • Vomiting and nausea

  • Abdominal cramps or pain

  • Fever and chills

  • Loss of appetite

  • Dehydration (dry mouth, low urine output, weakness)

  • Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin in hepatitis)
     

If any of these symptoms last more than 2 days or worsen, consult a doctor immediately.

 

Who Is Most at Risk?

Some groups are more vulnerable to gastrointestinal infections in humid weather, including:

  • Children under 5 years

  • Elderly adults

  • Pregnant women

  • People with weakened immunity or chronic illnesses

  • Individuals living in flood-prone or poorly sanitized areas
     

 

Prevention Tips: How to Stay Safe

You can significantly reduce your chances of falling sick by following these simple preventive measures:

1. Drink Safe Water

  • Always boil drinking water or use water purifiers.

  • Avoid drinking outside water, especially from open sources or street vendors.
     

2. Eat Fresh, Home-Cooked Food

  • Avoid street food and uncovered items.

  • Consume freshly prepared meals and store leftovers properly in the refrigerator.
     

3. Maintain Hand Hygiene

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap before eating or cooking.

  • Use a hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available.
     

4. Wash Fruits and Vegetables

  • Clean all produce with clean water.

  • Soak leafy greens in salt water before cooking or eating.
     

5. Be Cautious While Traveling

  • Carry your own drinking water and snacks.

  • Avoid uncooked or cold food items from unknown sources.
     

 

Tests You Can Consider (Powered by Thyrocare at SecondMedic)

If symptoms persist or you want to rule out infections, consider the following lab tests:

  • Stool Routine & Microscopy Test

  • Widal Test (for Typhoid)

  • Liver Function Test (for Hepatitis)

  • Cholera Culture Test

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
     

These tests are available through SecondMedic.com and powered by trusted labs like Thyrocare, ensuring accuracy and quick results.

 

Treatment Options

Most gastrointestinal infections can be treated with:

  • Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) to avoid dehydration

  • Antibiotics or antiparasitic medicines (only when prescribed by a doctor)

  • Probiotics to restore healthy gut bacteria

  • Diet control, avoiding oily and spicy food during recovery
     

Avoid self-medication and always consult a healthcare provider before starting any treatment.

 

When to Seek Medical Help

See a doctor immediately if:

  • Diarrhea lasts more than 3 days

  • There is blood in stools

  • Fever exceeds 102°F

  • There are signs of dehydration

  • You experience severe abdominal pain or vomiting
     

 

Conclusion

Monsoon and humidity bring along their set of health risks—especially to the digestive system. But with a few mindful habits and hygiene practices, you can enjoy the season without falling sick. Watch what you eat and drink, maintain cleanliness, and don’t ignore symptoms.

Protect yourself and your family from gastrointestinal infections in humid weather by staying alert, eating safe, and testing when necessary.

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