Study Shows the Pill is Less Effective for Preventing Pregnancy

"If you can't remember, it is not effective"

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By Megan Edge

Story Created: May 29, 2012 at 5:42 PM AKDT

Story Updated: May 30, 2012 at 8:06 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE – “If you can’t remember, it is not effective.”

A recent study by the New England Journal of Medicine is attempting to promote the use of “long-acting reversible contraceptive methods.”

According to the study, the United States has a higher accidental pregnancy rate than other developed nations, but Planned Parenthood Director Clover Simon said that is caused by two reasons.

“When you compare us to other industrialized nations, women in those countries get better [and] cheaper healthcare.”

She said in the United States women buy what they can afford and the cheapest way isn’t always best.

When it comes to what is questionably the most popular form of birth control – the oral pill – you have more room for error.

“When you think about it, that is 365 days to not be perfect.”

On the pill, one missed day can cause ineffectiveness, and other medications can counter it, so Simon wants to remind everyone to communicate with their physician.

The report analyzed 7,486 participants and found 334 unintended pregnancies. The woman were divided into under-21 and 21-and-over groups, and found that participants under 21 using the pill or patch were almost twice as likely to be at risk for unintended pregnancy.

4.55 percent of 100 people, using the patch or pill, were more at risk for pregnancy and only 0.27 percent of people using reversible birth control – such as an IUD or Nexplanon – were at risk for unintended pregnancy.

According to Planned Parenthood, an IUD or Nexplanon is your safest bet.

Nexplanon, also known as an implant, is a small rod inserted into your arm, releasing a hormone called progestin. The hormone prevents a woman’s ovaries from releasing an egg and helps strengthen the cervical mucus, to block sperm from reaching an egg.

It can cost anywhere from $400 to $800 dollars. The implant lasts three years and does not complicate pregnancy after it is removed.

Mothers can also use it, as it does not interfere with breastfeeding. Less than one woman out of 100 get pregnant using the Nexplanon – the same rate as an IUD, which can last anywhere from 5 to 12 years depending on the kind of IUD.

Simon said that even though the pill is less effective it is still an option. In the end it is a matter of being careful.
 

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