Chances of getting pregnant when switching birth control pills?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Can switching birth control pills increase your chance of pregnancy? Yes. Switching birth control pills can raise the risk of pregnancy, especially if there is a gap between finishing the old pill and starting the new one, or if the new pill is not taken exactly as directed. To reduce this risk, follow your provider's instructions carefully, avoid missed doses, and consider using a backup method like condoms during the transition period.

If you're switching pills and unsure whether symptoms you're experiencing are related to hormonal changes, a side effect, or something else, don't guess. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights based on your unique situation. It takes just a few minutes, requires no signup, and can help you decide whether to monitor at home, call your provider, or seek urgent care—empowering you to make confident, informed decisions about your health.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if switching birth control is risky Discover likely pregnancy risks from pill switching See whether your pill switch needs care Find OTC options for birth control symptoms Find a doctor about pill-switching concerns Discover home remedies for birth control side effects Understand if pregnancy symptoms need checking

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Explanation

Switching birth control pills can be safe, but it's important to follow the right steps to avoid getting pregnant during the switch. If you stop one pill and start another right away, your risk of pregnancy remains low. However, if there is a gap between stopping the old pill and starting the new one, or if the new pill is not taken as directed, the chance of pregnancy can increase.

Key Points to Remember:

No Gap: Start the new pill immediately after finishing the old pack to maintain protection.
Follow Instructions: Take the new pill as directed, at the same time every day.
Consult Healthcare Provider: If you're experiencing any unusual symptoms or concerns about your birth control, take a free symptom checker test and consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on switching methods safely.

According to the references, stopping or switching contraceptive methods can lead to unintended pregnancies if not managed correctly. Proper usage and adherence to instructions are crucial for maintaining contraceptive effectiveness.

(References)

Wellings K, Brima N, Sadler K, Copas AJ, McDaid L, Mercer CH, et al. (2015). Stopping and switching contraceptive methods. Contraception, 25444254.
Rosenberg MJ, & Waugh MS. (1998). Oral contraceptive discontinuation: a prospective .... American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 9757954.
Zimmerman LA, Sarnak DO, Karp C, Wood SN, Ahmed S, Makumbi F, & Kibira SPS. (2021). Association between experience of specific side-effects .... Reproductive health, 34838097.

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