Can You Get Pregnant While Taking Birth Control?

Can You Get Pregnant While Taking Birth Control?

Yes — you can get pregnant while taking birth control, no matter which method you use.
Many people are surprised to learn that pregnancy is still possible while using contraception.
While some birth control methods are more effective than others, no method is 100% effective.

To understand the likelihood of pregnancy, it helps to understand how each method works —
and how effective it is in real life.
Types of Birth Control (Most Common Methods)

• Birth control pills
• IUD (intrauterine device)
• Depo shot
• Transdermal patch
• Implantable rod/device

Let’s break each one down.
Birth Control Pills

How Birth Control Pills Work Birth control pills:

• Prevent ovulation (stop the body from releasing an egg)
• Change the uterine environment to prevent fertilization

IUD (Intrauterine Device)

An IUD is short for “intrauterine device.” It is a small, T-shaped device inserted through the vagina into the uterus³. There are two main types of IUDs:

Copper IUD

Creates a reaction in the uterus that makes pregnancy difficult Hormonal IUD

Releases hormones similar to birth control pills to prevent pregnancy For more detailed explanations of how IUDs work, see source⁴. Many women choose IUDs because:

• They are long-acting
• They require little daily effort
• There is less “operator error”

How Effective Is an IUD?

According to the FDA²: Out of 100 women who use an IUD for one year, less than 1 may become pregnant². This high effectiveness is largely because it does not rely on daily use.

Depo Shot (Contraceptive Shot)

For this form of birth control, you receive a shot from a healthcare provider once every 3 months, usually in the upper arm or buttocks⁵. The shot delivers hormones that: • Prevent ovulation • Create an environment that makes it difficult for sperm to reach the egg²

How Effective Is the Depo Shot?

According to the FDA²: Out of 100 women who use this method (including women who receive the shot late), up to 4 may become pregnant². Staying on schedule is important for maximum effectiveness.

Transdermal Patch

A transdermal patch sticks to the skin and delivers hormones that prevent pregnancy. It is typically worn on:

• The arm
• The stomach
• The back

Some people prefer this method because it:

• Feels less invasive than an IUD or implant
• Does not require a shot

How Effective Is the Patch?

According to the FDA²: Out of 100 women who use the patch for one year, about 7 may become pregnant². The patch and birth control pills are very similar in effectiveness.

Implantable Rod (Birth Control Implant)

The implantable rod is a small, flexible device about the size of a matchstick.

Unlike an IUD: 

• It is not inserted into the uterus
• It is placed under the skin in the upper arm
• It releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.

How Effective Is the Implant?

According to the FDA²: Out of 100 women who use the implant for one year, less than 1 may become pregnant². This makes it one of the most effective birth control options available. Can You Still Get Pregnant on Birth Control? Yes. Even when used perfectly, no birth control method is 100% effective. If you are sexually active, there is always a possibility of pregnancy occurring. You may want to take a pregnancy test if you: • Have missed your period • Are experiencing pregnancy symptoms • Feel unsure or concerned

Think You Might Be Pregnant? If you’re worried you could be pregnant, we’re here for you.

Life Choice offers:

• Free pregnancy testing
• Free ultrasounds (if eligible)
• Confidential services
• A safe place to talk through your options

We have offices in:

Russellville, KY • Franklin, KY Call: (270) 717-5433 Text: (270) 883-2464 You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Please be aware that Life Choice Pregnancy Care Center does not provide or refer for abortion services. 

The information provided in this article is for educational purposes and should not replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Sources

1. Cleveland Clinic. “Depo-Provera® (Birth Control Shot).” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/4086-depo-provera-birth-control-shot
2. Cleveland Clinic. “Intrauterine Device (IUD).” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24441-intrauterine-device-iud
3. Mayo Clinic. “Combination Birth Control Pills.” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/testsprocedures/combination-birth-control-pills/in-depth/best-birth-control-pill/art-20044807
4. Planned Parenthood. “What’s an IUD Insertion Like?” Planned Parenthood, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/iud/whats-an-iud-insertion-like
5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Birth Control.” FDA, https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/birth-control