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About Drea Jean H.
Expertise
I offer an unbiased view on all birth control methods, and the pros and cons of each. I have personally tried many forms, and am always willing to do research on the topic to become more informed, as I have 3 growing daughters to educate.

Experience
I have tried many diffrent pill forms over the last 10 years, practiced the rethom method, and also utilised many over the counter products.

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Teens > Health for Teens > Birth Control > alesse and pregnancy

Birth Control - alesse and pregnancy


Expert: Drea Jean H. - 5/25/2006

Question
Hello, recently a friend of mine became pregnant. She was on Alesse (low hormone) birth control for about 8 months, never missed a pill, and always took her pill on time. She told me her boyfriend and herself had sex all afternoon, and she, being paranoid, went to the doctor to take a morning after pill as well, just to  be sure  she didnt get pregnant. But after all that, she got pregnant. Apparently, her  mother became pregnant while taking the pill as well. Im on Alesse and wondering if i should switch. My question is, is Alesse as effective as a higher hormone pill? I thought any pill was 99% effective if taken correctly? Any idea why she got pregnant? Thank you.

Answer
Hi Tee,

Alesse is just as effective as any other form. Yes, they are 97-99% effective, but that DOES still leave a small chance pf pregnancy. Also, it is much easier to become pregnant while on the lower dose pills, sometimes those are just not as effective as the regular dose birth control.

There is ALWAYS a chance someone will become pregnant on the pill, highest chance the first month on the pill, followed by the first year on the pill. So it is likley that your friend just fell into that small percentage of women that become pregnant on the pill.  

You may want to talk over your concerns with your Dr., to make sure you have the best pill for you.

Thanks,

Drea Jean

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