Contraception has been a crucial aspect of sexual health for both men and women. Women have a plethora of contraceptive options available to them, including birth control pills, injections, patches, and intrauterine devices (IUDs).

Despite the accessibility and effectiveness of these methods, women continue to make a variety of contraception mistakes that can result in unnecessary risks to their health, unplanned pregnancies, and other implications. Here are 30 contraception mistakes women often make.

1. Relying Solely on Condoms

Although condoms are effective for preventing pregnancy, they are not one hundred percent reliable.

Women who rely solely on condoms as their only contraception method put themselves at risk of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is recommended to use condoms along with other contraception methods for optimal protection.

2. Not Checking the Expiration Date

Contraceptive methods such as condoms and birth control pills have an expiration date. Using these methods after the expiration date can lead to ineffectiveness. Always check the expiration date before using any contraception method.

3. Not Using Enough Spermicide with Diaphragm and Cervical Cap

Diaphragms and cervical caps are barrier methods of contraception that require spermicidal gel. Women often make the mistake of not using enough of it, which can put them at risk of pregnancy.

4. Incorrectly Fitting the Diaphragm or Cervical Cap

Barrier methods such as diaphragms and cervical caps have to be properly fitted by a healthcare professional to be effective.

Women who fit the device themselves or do not have it checked regularly run the risk of it not being fully effective in preventing pregnancy.

5. Missing Birth Control Pill Dosages

Birth control pills require strict adherence to a daily schedule of taking the pill. Missing a pill or taking it at the wrong time can result in an accidental pregnancy.

6. Delaying Restarting Birth Control after the Placebo Week

Most birth control pill packs come with a placebo week, which is when women have their menstrual period. Women often delay restarting their birth control after this week, which can result in unexpected pregnancy.

7. Not Using Emergency Contraception in Time

Emergency contraception is only effective if taken within a particular timeframe after unprotected sex. Women who do not use emergency contraception in time put themselves at risk of becoming pregnant.

8. Not Using Proper Technique to Insert and Remove IUDs

IUDs are a reliable long-term birth control method. However, inserting and removing them require proper technique and healthcare provider assistance.

Attempting to insert or remove them without proper knowledge can lead to complications or failure of the IUD.

9. Not Checking the Strings of the IUD Regularly

If the woman cannot feel the strings of the IUD or they feel different from the usual, this is an indication that the IUD may have shifted. Not checking the strings regularly can result in a failure of the IUD to prevent pregnancy.

10. Having Sex Too Soon After IUD Insertion

Women should wait for a certain amount of time after IUD insertion before having sex. Not waiting for enough time can lead to the IUD being expelled or not being fully effective in preventing pregnancy.

11. Not Replacing Expired Contraceptive Implants

Contraceptive implants are effective for up to three years. Women who do not have them replaced at the end of their expiration date run the risk of the implant not being effective in preventing pregnancy.

12. Not Taking Progestin-Only Pills at the Same Time Every Day

Progestin-only pills require strict adherence to a daily schedule of taking the pill. Taking a pill late or missing one can result in a failure of the pill to prevent pregnancy.

13. Not Using condoms During Oral Sex

Oral sex can transmit STIs. Women who do not use condoms during oral sex make themselves vulnerable to infections and other complications.

14. Not Using Two Condoms at Once

The use of two condoms at once does not provide double protection; instead, the friction between the two condoms can compromise their effectiveness, leading to unintended pregnancy or STIs.

15. Not Disclosing STIs to Partner

Women who have STIs and do not disclose them to their partners are not only putting their partners at risk of infection but also the risk of unplanned pregnancy if contraception is not used.

16. Using Oil-Based Lubricants with Latex Condoms

Oil-based lubricants can weaken latex condoms, making them ineffective in preventing pregnancy or STIs. It is recommended to use water-based lubricants with latex condoms.

17. Using Condoms without Checking for Holes or Tears

Condoms have to be checked for any holes or tears before and after use to ensure their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy or STIs. Using a condom with holes or tears puts women at risk of unintended pregnancies and infections.

18. Not Using Hormonal Contraception for Non-Contraceptive Purposes

Hormonal contraception can also be used for non-contraceptive purposes, such as treating heavy menstrual flow or menstrual pain. Women who decline to use hormonal contraception for these purposes miss out on the benefits it can offer.

19. Having Unprotected Sex during Menstruation

Although the chances of becoming pregnant during menstruation are low, it is still possible. Women who have unprotected sex during their period without contraception can get pregnant.

20. Not Taking into Account Weight Gain and Hormonal Contraception

Some forms of hormonal contraception can lead to weight gain in women. Women who disregard weight gain and continue using hormonal contraception can put themselves at risk of other health complications due to the weight gain.

21. Not Following the Instructions for Self-Administered Depo-Provera Shots

Depo-Provera shots can be self-administered. Women who do not follow the instructions for self-administering the shot can lead to complications or ineffectiveness of the contraception method.

22. Not Using Birth Control after Giving Birth

Women who have recently given birth can still become pregnant while breastfeeding. It is advisable to use contraception methods after giving birth to avoid unintended pregnancies.

23. Not Using Emergency Contraception after a Contraceptive Failure

Contraceptive failures can occur even with the use of contraception methods. Women who do not use emergency contraception after a contraceptive failure can get pregnant.

24. Not Consulting with a Healthcare Provider Before Stopping Hormonal Contraception

Stopping hormonal contraception abruptly or without the guidance of a healthcare provider can lead to adverse side effects and unintended pregnancy.

25. Not Using Condoms during Anal Sex

Anal sex can transmit STIs. Women who do not use condoms during anal sex put themselves at risk of infections and other complications.

26. Taking Certain Medications that Can Interfere with Hormonal Contraception

Some medications can interfere with hormonal contraception, leading to unintended pregnancy. Women who are taking medication and also use hormonal contraception should consult their healthcare provider.

27. Not Considering Future Pregnancy after Discontinuing Hormonal Contraception

Women who plan to become pregnant shortly after discontinuing hormonal contraception should consider alternative contraception methods to reduce the risk of infertility and maternal complications.

28. Not Using Two Contraception Methods during High Fertility Periods

Women who are trying to avoid pregnancy during high fertility periods should use two contraception methods for optimal protection.

29. Not Replacing the Contraceptive Patch Regularly

Contraceptive patches have to be replaced weekly. Women who do not replace the patch regularly run the risk of unintended pregnancy.

30. Not Having Regular STI Tests

Regular STI tests can help detect and treat infections early before complications arise. Women who do not have regular STI tests put themselves and their partners at risk of infection and other complications.