Whether you’re just learning about birth control or are already using birth control, chances are you’ve got questions — and you’re not alone. What do I do if I miss a birth control pill? Are there specific types of birth control that are more effective? Do birth control pills still work if you take other medications?
We’ve got another key question to add to the list: What would a world look like in which you are totally supported when it comes to reproductive health? Educated and empowered. Equipped with the right information, we’re building a world where you can control your next step from day one.
Let’s explore the relationship between pregnancy and birth control and what makes birth control effective. We’ve got the facts — so you can find the right fit for you.
How effective are different types of birth control at preventing pregnancy?
The effectiveness of birth control methods varies significantly depending on the method you use and whether it’s used correctly. Remember: no birth control method is 100% effective at preventing pregnancy, but many come close when used as directed.
Let’s explore the general birth control effectiveness based on typical use. For context, perfect use is when the contraceptive method is used correctly all the time, such as in clinical trials. Typical use, on the other hand, reflects what happens in real life and includes inconsistent or incorrect contraceptive use.
How effective is my birth control?*
| Tier | Effectiveness | Type | How to use for maximum efficacy |
Tier 1 |
More Effective. Less than 1 pregnancy per 100 women in one year. | Implant Female Sterilization IUD | After procedure, little or nothing to do or remember |
| Vasectomy | Use another method for first 3 months | ||
Tier 2 |
Effective. 4-7 pregnancies per 100 women in one year. | Injectable | Get repeat injections on time |
| Pill | Take a pill at the same time each day | ||
| Patch, ring | Keep in place, change on time | ||
Tier 3 |
Less Effective. More than 13 pregnancies per 100 women in one year. | Male & Female Condom | Use correctly every time you have sex |
| Sponge | |||
| Withdrawal | |||
| Spermicides | |||
| Diaphragm | |||
| Fertility awareness- based methods | Abstain or use condoms on fertile days. Newer methods (Standard Days, Natural Cycles, and Symptothermal may be easier to use and consequently more effective) |
How long does it take birth control to work?
The time it takes for birth control to work depends on the method used and when you start using it in your menstrual cycle.†
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Combination birth control pills (COCs)
– effective immediately if you start within five days of the first day of your period. If you start at any other time, they work after seven days of consistent use. -
Progestin-Only Pills (POPs or Mini-Pills)
– effective after 48 hours (or 2 days) of consistent use, regardless of which day of the month you start taking them. -
Birth Control Patch
– effective immediately if you start within five days of the first day of your period. Otherwise, it becomes effective after seven days. -
Vaginal Ring
– effective immediately if you start within five days of the first day of your period. Otherwise, it becomes effective after seven days. -
Injectable Birth Control
– effective immediately if given within seven days of the first day of your period. If received at any other time, it works after seven days. The shot only continues to be effective if you get a new shot every 12-13 weeks. -
Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
– require an appointment with your healthcare professional and a routine procedure to insert. Depending on the type of IUD, you may need backup birth control at first. While copper IUDs are effective immediately, hormonal IUDs are different depending on the type of IUD you choose and when it is inserted. -
Barrier methods
– effective immediately upon use, including condoms, diaphragms, and spermicide.
Remember: if you’re using a new form of birth control and aren’t within the recommended time frame for immediate effectiveness, don’t have unprotected sex. Be sure to use a backup method such as condoms for the specific duration to ensure protection against pregnancy. If you’re unsure, talk to your healthcare professional to figure out when to start your birth control and when you will be protected from pregnancy.
Opill® & Pregnancy Prevention
Now that we’ve covered the effectiveness of different types of birth control, let’s further understand Opill® and its effectiveness at preventing pregnancy. Opill® is the first over-the-counter daily birth control pill available in the US. With Opill®, you don’t need a doctor’s appointment or a prescription to get daily birth control pills.
How effective is Opill®?
Opill® is 98% effective at preventing pregnancy. Opill® will be most effective when used exactly as directed. In 8 US clinical trials, approximately 98 out of 100 sexually active women who used Opill® for a year did not become pregnant.1
How long does Opill® take to work?
Opill® is a progestin-only pill (POP) and starts working after 2 days. When starting Opill®, be sure to use a condom (or other barrier method) every time you have sex for the next 2 days (or 48 hours)
How do I take Opill® birth control pills to prevent pregnancy?
Regardless of the type of birth control pill you choose, you need to always take it as directed to reduce your chances of getting pregnant. Let’s explore what to consider when taking Opill® birth control pills to reduce the risk of pregnancy.
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Stay consistent.
Take your Opill® birth control pill at the same time every single day. If you struggle to remember, no stress: there are plenty of good ways to make sure you don’t miss a pill. Try choosing a convenient time of day, setting reminders on your phone and signing up for a subscription so your next pack is available before your other one runs out. -
Use backup methods.
If you missed a pill or are not sure if you missed a pill, be sure to use a condom or another barrier back up method every time you have sex during the 2 days after you restart taking Opill®.
What can lower the effectiveness of Opill® birth control pills?
From taking certain medications to taking Opill® inconsistently, here are a few things that may make Opill® less effective:
-
Medication interactions.
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or start to take any medications that may make Opill® less effective. Certain drugs to treat seizures, tuberculosis, pulmonary hypertension, and HIV/AIDs all may make Opill® less effective.
In addition, Opill® should not be used for 5 days after using the emergency contraceptive ella®, which contains ulipristal acetate. This might reduce the ability of both Opill® and ella® to prevent pregnancy. If taking Opill® and ella® together, it is also recommended to use a condom (or another barrier method) every time you have sex until your next period. -
Herbal supplements.
What if I’m taking other medicines or herbal products? St John’s Wort, or any herbal products containing hypericum perforatum, can also make Opill® less effective. -
Vomiting or excessive diarrhea.
If you vomit or experience diarrhea within 4 hours of taking Opill®, it may not be effective due to decreased absorption. Be sure to use a condom or another barrier method every time you have sex for the next 2 days (48 hours) because the medicine may not have been fully absorbed by your body. The next day, take your daily tablet at your usual time.
What do I do if I miss a day or am late taking my Opill® birth control pill?
If you’re less than 3 hours late taking your Opill® tablet, don’t worry. Take 1 tablet immediately and go back to taking your tablet at your usual time the following day.
However, if you are more than 3 hours late OR you’ve missed one or more Opill® tablets, you must:
- Take 1 tablet immediately, as soon as you remember.
- Then, go back to taking your tablet at your usual time. This means you may take 2 tablets in 1 day. For example, if you usually take your tablet at night, but forget and remember in the morning, take 1 tablet when you remember and take 1 tablet again at the usual time that night.
- You must also use a condom (or another barrier method) every time you have sex during the 2 days (48 hours) after you restart Opill®, because it takes 2 days to start working again.
- Take a pregnancy test or talk to a doctor if your period is late after missing any Opill® tablets in the last month.
Get control over your contraception today.
Opill® provides you with the control and simplicity to access effective and safe daily oral contraception on your terms. When you need it, where you need it, and the ability to start and stop at any time. Each step of the way, we will support you to make the best choice for you. Trust us – we’ve got you covered from day one.
Key References
1. Glasier, A., Sober, S., Gasloli, R., Goyal, A., & Laurora, I. (2022). A review of the effectiveness of a progestogen-only pill containing norgestrel 75 µg/day. Contraception, 105, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2021.08.016
2. Food and Drug Administration. FDA-approved drugs: Opill. Available at: Opill (0.075mg Oral Norgestrel Tablet) Information | FDA
3. Trussell J, Aiken ARA, Micks E, Guthrie KA. Efficacy, safety, and personal considerations. In: Hatcher RA, Nelson AL, Trussell J, Cwiak C, Cason P, Policar MS, Edelman A, Aiken ARA, Marrazzo J, Kowal D, eds. Contraceptive technology. 21st ed. New York, NY: Ayer Company Publishers, Inc., 2018
*Based on typical use.
†Always read the consumer information leaflet included with your preferred form of birth control.
