Can I be pregnant while on the pill?

The combined pill is more than 99% effective if taken perfectly and 91% effective if taken as most people take it, with some missed or late pills. So, a small percentage of people become pregnant while taking the pill.

If you are concerned that you might be pregnant because you have symptoms of pregnancy or have missed a pill, then it is a good idea to take a pregnancy test. A pregnancy test will be accurate three weeks after you become pregnant.

You can continue to take your pill in the meantime and your pill will not affect the results of the pregnancy test.


Last updated at: 02 February 2024
Published on: 12 August 2022