Birth Control Forum - Birth Control pill (Kariva). Does it really work?

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Q: Birth Control pill (Kariva). Does it really work?

asked by: Skater on June 20th, 2009

New User

Hi. My bf and I have been sexually active for almost a year now and I've been on birth control pills for the past five months. I've missed only one pill so far and took it when I remembered. We were using condoms, but I guess we haven't found the right size or something because they are uncomfortable for him and a bit for me too. Recently we started having sex without a condom because of the birth control pills I'm on. I take them every day at around the same time, give or take two hours at the most if I get home late. Does this one or two hour time difference hurt the effectiveness of the pill? Everywhere I read they say you must take it at the same time. If i'm following these directions to the book is there still a chance I could get pregnant? So far I've had nothing but a little bit of pre cum inside of me. He has never completely cum while we are having intercourse. Maybe I'm just being paranoid here. I'm young, I'm 18 and starting college, it's not time for a kid Smile

Any reassurance out there that this pill really does work if taken properly? I don't personally know anyone who is on it, so there is no one for me to commiserate with. I know my bf would immediately stop with the sex if I asked him to, but we love each other and I see no reason why we shouldn't express it as long as I'm protected. Any pill users out there with advice??

Thank you sunny

Replies(4)

deteragram

replied on June 20th, 2009

Supporter

A two hour delay will not reduce the effectiveness of the birth control pill. When instructions advise women to take the pill at the same time every day, they do so because a long delay (such as taking the pill in the morning on one day and taking it the next day at night) is too much of a delay.
I had never heard of Kariva before you posted, but I have heard of its name brand, Mircette. I'm sure it's a reliable brand of birth control. It is listed on drugtalk.com as 99.9% effective when taken as instructed.

Skater

replied on June 20th, 2009

New User

Thank you for the quick response and thank you for clearing up that time issue for me, that does make sense. Even if taken as instructed, would condoms still be considered necessary? We've only been with each other, so neither of us have any STI's

deteragram

replied on June 20th, 2009

Supporter

I don't think they would be necessary. But for your own peace of mind you may want to use a back-up method. When I am in a sexual relationship I always use hormonal birth control and a condom or spermicide and a condom. So far, no unplanned pregnancies for me and I'm 38.

rockon0159

replied on June 21st, 2009

Experienced User

I agree with deteragram-- One or two hours makes no difference at ALL. Kariva is a COMBINED oral contraceptive pill. This means that you basically have a 12 hour time window to take it. PROGESTIN-ONLY pills have a much smaller window; only 3 hours before protection becomes compromised.

Most information encourages one to take their pills at the same time every day so one gets into a good habit of ALWAYS taking it. It's a good practice, because missing a pill can have some bad repercussions. But, if you take your pill at 6 pm every day, you could take it at 6 am at the very latest and not expect any compromised protection. Of course, it's really better to take it at the same time Wink

If you are taking your pill as consistently as it sounds, there is really no need for condoms. The pill alone, if taken every day, is more than 99% effective. Can't get much better than that.

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