The Contraceptive Pill

[FunkyDora]

A mate of mine was telling me last night that she hates being on the pill, she has been with her partner for a long time and as a form of contraceptive she takes the pill on days where she's having sex. If she knows that she is going out with her boyfriend that evening she'll take the pill that morning, but if she's not seeing him again for a few days she'll not bother taking it again until then. Surely this is not am ample protection against pregnancy. This cant be a safe way to take the pill. Id appreciate some opinions so i can talk them through with her. Thanks

[andy hughes]

No, it's not a safe method of contraception. The pill works by following the menstrual cycle, and it takes some time to settle into the system and commence working efficiently. Even missing one day can affect the accurate function of the contraception, so this hit and miss method is virtually useless as a contraceptive. If your friend has not conceived, it is not because of her pill, and she is playing with dangerous odds. Tell her to contact her GP or FPC to discuss alternative methods of contraception.

[becks]

Apparently there's only two days ina month that a woman can get pregnant (according to my pregnant friend's doctor) which means that you're friend has been unbelievably lucky in not getting pregnant so far - taking it on odd days is pointless she might as well not bother using any than doing that, and i'm assuming she obviously doesn't a baby? Tell her to get to the GP and maybe talk to her about the injection or implant, or maybe the coil if she can't be bothered to remember.

[georgit79]

I agree with Becks- your friend may as well not be taking the pill at all if she is just going to use it randomly, as it is having absolutely no effect. She is just messing with her body and sending it all sorts of mixed signals. Why does she not like the pill? If it is just a question of not liking taking a pill everyday, then I suggest she has the depot injection. You only need one injection every couple of months. Otherwise, I'd suggest the coil..or, forgive me for sounding crazy, but condoms also work!

[Doolallygirl]

I've been on the pill for 4 years now and I hardly ever miss a pill. If I do, then I won't have sex for the rest of the cycle. I always use condoms too as an extra barrier of protection. You don't know who has what infections nowdays, I say tell your mate to stop being so dumb, listen to her doctor (or whoever irresponsibly prescribed the pill to her) and take her pill as directed. Also use condoms. They will ensure that no nasty diseases are passed on, and that she doesn't have an unplanned pregnancy and end up having an abortion or an unwanted baby.

[moggyday]

not only is this not a safe method of contraception but she could seriously mess up her menstural cycle and hormones which could have long term implications for when she does want to conceive, she should either be taking it every day ( except for the breaks) or not at all and using some other form of contraception.

[Yinzer]

Adding to what moggyday said, she can also get into some serious trouble if she does get pregnant, as the stuff in the pill can have very detrimental (like birth defects) effets on a fetus.