Once faced with an unplanned pregnancy, how to prevent it from happening again
Ploy faced an unplanned pregnancy last year. After going through a difficult time, she promised herself to prevent it from happening again. But as time passed, Ploy started using the same birth control methods she wasn’t sure were effective. Until she heard stories of women who had terminated pregnancies and then became pregnant again, Ploy realized that knowing about birth control methods is not enough, but they must be used correctly and consistently.
1. Why do some people become pregnant again, even after an unplanned pregnancy
Even after experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, many people become pregnant again for the following reasons:
- Misunderstanding about birth control, such as believing that withdrawal is safe or thinking that a period tracking app can replace birth control.
- Using birth control incorrectly or inconsistently, such as forgetting to take birth control pills or not using condoms every time.
- Difficulty accessing safe birth control services, such as being unable to see a doctor for an IUD insertion or contraceptive implant.
2. Ways to make repeat pregnancy prevention more effective
Using the correct and suitable birth control method for your lifestyle is key to preventing repeat pregnancies.
| Birth Control Method | Effectiveness (when used correctly) | Advantages | Limitations |
| Monthly birth control pills | More than 99% | Helps regulate menstrual cycle, reduces acne | Must be taken at the same time every day |
| Contraceptive implant | More than 99% | Lasts 3-5 years, no need to remember to take pills | Must be inserted and removed by a doctor |
| IUD (Intrauterine Device) | More than 99% | Lasts 5-10 years, requires little maintenance | May have side effects related to menstruation |
| Contraceptive injection | More than 99% | Injected every 1-3 months, convenient | May have side effects related to menstrual cycle |
| Condoms | 85-98% | Prevents sexually transmitted infections | Must be used every time and used correctly |
Recommendations:
- If you cannot take birth control pills at the same time every day, consider choosing contraceptive implants, IUDs, or contraceptive injections.
- Use condoms in conjunction with the main birth control method to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
3. Discuss prevention with your partner
- Birth control should not be the responsibility of one party alone. Discuss with your partner the importance of prevention.
- If your partner does not want to use condoms, agree in advance to use another highly effective prevention method.
- Openly discuss concerns and align on pregnancy prevention strategies.
4. Seek advice from experts
If you are unsure which birth control method is suitable for you, seek advice from a doctor or sexual health expert.
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