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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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Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): Treatment & Symptoms

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that causes illness in people of all ages, particularly young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. The virus can lead to conditions such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and upper respiratory infections. With rising cases globally and in India, awareness about HMPV, its symptoms, and available treatment options is essential.

In this blog, we'll break down everything you need to know about Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): Treatment & Symptoms in easy-to-understand language.

What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?

HMPV is a virus that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family—the same group of viruses responsible for illnesses like RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and mumps. It was first discovered in 2001 but is now known to have been circulating for decades.

The virus mainly affects the respiratory tract and can range from mild cold-like symptoms to severe lower respiratory infections. It spreads most commonly in late winter and spring, similar to flu season.

HMPV in India: Current Overview

In 2025, several hospitals in India have seen a rise in cases of HMPV among children and elderly patients. Though not as widely known as COVID-19 or flu, Human Metapneumovirus is a common cause of pediatric hospital admissions during respiratory infection surges.

Doctors advise taking it seriously because it can mimic flu or pneumonia, making early diagnosis crucial.

Common Symptoms of HMPV

The symptoms of HMPV are similar to other respiratory viruses. They can range from mild cold-like symptoms to severe breathing difficulties, especially in vulnerable groups.

Main Symptoms Include:

Fever
Cough
Runny nose
Nasal congestion
Sore throat
Wheezing
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Loss of appetite (especially in children)

In severe cases, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.

How is HMPV Transmitted?

Human Metapneumovirus spreads from person to person through:

Coughing and sneezing
Close personal contact
Touching contaminated surfaces or hands

The virus can survive on surfaces like toys, doorknobs, and tables for several hours. That’s why regular handwashing and hygiene are essential.

How is HMPV Diagnosed?

Since HMPV symptoms resemble other viral infections, a lab test is the only way to confirm the virus.

Tests may include:

RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction) for detecting viral RNA
Nasopharyngeal swabs
Rapid antigen tests (less common)

In India, you can book respiratory virus panels or flu-like illness tests from diagnostic labs like Thyrocare through SecondMedic to check for multiple viruses including HMPV.

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): Treatment

There is no specific antiviral drug for HMPV. Treatment is mainly supportive, aimed at relieving symptoms.

Supportive Treatments:

Fever reducers like paracetamol
Cough suppressants
Steam inhalation
Hydration (drinking fluids)
Rest

Hospitalization is required if:

Breathing becomes difficult
Oxygen levels drop
Patient is elderly, a young child, or has chronic illnesses (like asthma or heart disease)

Doctors may provide oxygen therapy or nebulizers to ease breathing in severe cases.

How to Prevent HMPV

As with many respiratory infections, prevention is the best protection.

Tips to Avoid Infection:

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when outside.
Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
Avoid touching your face, especially eyes and nose.
Disinfect commonly used surfaces at home and work.
Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
Wear a mask in crowded places during flu season.

There is no vaccine for HMPV yet, but researchers are working on developing one.

Who is Most at Risk?

Infants and toddlers (under 5 years)
Adults over 65
People with weakened immune systems
Individuals with chronic respiratory or heart diseases

These groups may experience more severe symptoms and need urgent care if infected.

When to See a Doctor

You should consult a doctor if:

Symptoms last more than 5–7 days
Breathing becomes difficult
Fever is very high or persistent
There's chest pain or confusion
A child has a bluish face or lips

Early intervention can prevent complications.

Recommended Tests on SecondMedic (Powered by Thyrocare)

While there is no HMPV-specific test for home collection, you can book tests like:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
CRP (C-Reactive Protein)
Respiratory Pathogen Panel
Influenza A & B Detection
RT-PCR Viral Panels (on request)

Visit SecondMedic’s Lab Test Section to explore packages and book your test online.

Conclusion

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a growing cause of respiratory illness in India, especially in children and the elderly. Though there is no specific cure, early diagnosis and symptom-based treatment can help patients recover fully. Practicing good hygiene and avoiding close contact with sick people are the best ways to prevent infection.

Stay informed and protect your loved ones. For detailed insights and medical advice, bookmark this guide on "Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): Treatment & Symptoms."

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