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Can Birth Control Kill a Pregnancy?
Birth control is a way of preventing pregnancy, but what if you’re already pregnant and didn’t know it when you started taking birth control? This is a question that many women have asked, and the answer is not as straightforward as it may seem. In this article, we will discuss whether birth control can kill a pregnancy, the different types of birth control, and how they work, and the possible side effects of taking birth control during pregnancy.
The Different Types of Birth Control
Before we delve into whether birth control can kill a pregnancy, it’s essential to understand the different types of birth control available. There are several birth control methods, including:
- Barrier Methods: such as condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps.
- Hormonal Methods: such as birth control pills, patches, and injections.
- Intrauterine Devices (IUDs): such as copper and hormonal IUDs.
- Sterilization: such as tubal ligation and vasectomy.
How Birth Control Works
Birth control works by stopping or slowing down the process of ovulation, fertilization, or implantation. For example, hormonal birth control, such as birth control pills, patches, and injections, works by regulating hormones in the body, preventing or delaying ovulation, and making it difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize an egg. Barrier methods, such as condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps, create a physical barrier that prevents sperm from reaching an egg. IUDs work by changing the lining of the uterus to prevent implantation of a fertilized egg.
Can Birth Control Kill a Pregnancy?
Studies have shown that birth control does not cause abortion or kill a pregnancy. However, it’s possible to get pregnant while taking birth control, and if this happens, birth control should be immediately stopped. Continuing to take birth control while pregnant can lead to complications.
In cases where pregnancy occurs while taking birth control, the chances of a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy are high. A miscarriage is the loss of pregnancy before the 20th week, while an ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. Both of these conditions require immediate medical attention and can be life-threatening if left untreated.
Side Effects of Taking Birth Control During Pregnancy
Taking birth control during pregnancy has been linked to various side effects, such as:
- Increased risk of birth defects
- Low birth weight
- Preterm birth
- Behavioral and developmental problems
It’s crucial to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medication, including birth control, during pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can advise you on the best course of action based on your medical history, the type of birth control you’re taking, and how far along you are in your pregnancy.
The Importance of Birth Control
Even though birth control can’t kill a pregnancy, it’s important for sexually active women to use a reliable birth control method to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. An unplanned pregnancy can take a toll on both the mother and child, physically, emotionally, and financially. It’s also essential to remember that birth control does not provide protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and barrier methods should be used in conjunction with other birth control methods to prevent STIs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, birth control does not kill a pregnancy, but it’s possible to get pregnant while taking birth control. If this happens, birth control should be immediately stopped, and medical attention should be sought. It’s crucial to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any medication, including birth control, during pregnancy, as it can lead to complications for both the mother and child. Birth control is an important tool for preventing an unwanted pregnancy, and it’s essential to use a reliable method to protect yourself and your partner.
FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions related to ‘Can Birth Control Kill a Pregnancy?’.
- Q: Can birth control cause a miscarriage?
- A: No, there is no evidence to suggest that birth control causes miscarriage.
- Q: Can birth control terminate an existing pregnancy?
- A: No, birth control cannot terminate an existing pregnancy.
- Q: What are the chances of getting pregnant while on birth control?
- A: The chances of getting pregnant while on birth control vary depending on the type of birth control used, but it’s possible to become pregnant even while on birth control.
- Q: What should I do if I get pregnant while taking birth control?
- A: You should stop taking birth control immediately and seek medical attention from your healthcare provider.
References
1. Birth Control. (2021, June 17). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/birth-control/about/pac-20384580
2. Birth Control Options. (2021, February 11). Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control
3. Birth Control Pills. (2021, June 7). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/birth-control-pills/about/pac-20384506
4. Birth Control Shot. (2021, June 17). Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/birth-control-shot
5. Ectopic Pregnancy. (2020, September 2). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088
6. Miscarriage. (2020, May 22). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298