If you have any menstrual irregularity, remember to consult your gynaecologist before taking any OCP pills. However, it is also normal that if you are a new birth control pill user, you will experience spotting halfway through your menstrual cycle. You will resume a normal flow from the second cycle.

7. Will the effectiveness of the birth control pills be affected if I were to vomit after taking it?

If you vomit within two hours of taking the pill, the pill will be ineffective. In such a scenario, take another pill after vomiting. However, if you were to vomit three to four hours later, it won't have any affect on the effectiveness of the pill.

8. I didn't know I was pregnant and I continued taking the pill. Will it harm my baby?

This will depend upon the dosage taken and for how long. If you were on a high dosage pill and continued taking it for more than a month while being pregnant, it will result in the termination of the pregnancy.

However, if you were on a low dosage pill and took it only for a few days, it is not a cause for concern.

Stop using OCPs if you suspect a pregnancy. Go for a pregnancy test and if it is positive, stop it altogether until well after delivery.

Also Read: Who is Responsible for Contraception?

9. Can contraceptives make me infertile? How long should I wait to conceive after going off birth control pills?

You may go through a temporary period of infertility after going off contraception. On an average you will be infertile for a maximum of two to three months. But once your menstrual cycle becomes normal, you can think about conceiving.

It is better to wait until you have gone through two to three menstrual cycles before trying to conceive.

10. I forgot to take my pill. What should I do?

If you missed taking a pill, take it as soon as you remember and then take that day's pill as well.

For example, if you forgot to take the pill last night, make sure you take one immediately the next day morning and then take another at night as well, i.e. take two pills in a day.

Although the chances of pregnancy are minimal, it is better to consult your gynaecologist. However, if you were to miss three or more pills, then your chances of conceiving is rather strong.

(With inputs from Dr. Vanita Raut, Gynaecologist & Obstetrician, Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai)

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