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Chemical contraceptives like hormone tablets (the pill) and injections are generally very effective. Oral contraceptives need to be taken exactly as prescribed to be effective. In other words, you should not skip a day. If you use the mini-pill (progesterone only), you need to take the pill at the same time every day. If you are taking antibiotics or have a digestive disturbance like vomiting or diarrhoea, oral contraceptives may not be effectively absorbed and you might fall pregnant. In this case, it is important to abstain from lovemaking or to use alternative contraceptive methods for the rest of the month, while continuing to take the pill. This does not apply if you are using injectable contraception.

Women do sometimes fall pregnant despite taking contraceptives correctly. In most cases this does not appear to hold any dangers for the pregnant woman or her developing baby although, according to research, malformations in babies are sometimes attributed to this. If, however, you cannot accept an unplanned pregnancy, consult your doctor to discuss termination as early as possible in the first trimester.

You should complete a full pack of the oral hormonal contraceptive pill before trying to fall pregnant, to disturb the hormonal balance as little as possible. It is generally advised to give your body about three months to adjust after prolonged use of contraceptives (hormonal and intrauterine devices), although many women fall pregnant almost immediately or even while using contraceptives without apparent problems. Homeopathic remedies can help the endocrine system to settle sooner and improve the likelihood of conception if your menstrual cycle is irregular.

Generally, the longer you have used hormonal contraceptives, the longer it takes to fall pregnant, but this remains a very individual matter. There are many factors that influence how long it takes to fall pregnant, but if you have not conceived within six to twelve months, you should see your gynaecologist for a general checkup. It is advisable to have a general examination when you stop using contraceptives or plan to fall pregnant and if you have difficulty falling pregnant. Your partner might need a checkup if nothing seems to be the matter with you. Research shows that the male partner experiences as many fertility problems as the female.