Woman Gets Pregnant Despite Taking Birth Control, Finds Out They Didn’t Fail Her But Her BF Did

If you’ve ever taken birth control pills or know how they work, you understand how strict and consistent you have to be for them to stay effective.

This woman had always been diligent with hers, which is why she was utterly shocked when a pregnancy test showed two lines staring back at her. Trying to figure out what went wrong, she discovered the heartbreaking truth—her boyfriend had tampered with her birth control.

Devastated, she turned to the internet for advice on how to handle it all. Read her full story below.

Despite being consistent with her birth control, the woman was shocked to discover she was pregnant

Woman in a denim shirt looking stressed while holding a positive pregnancy test, reflecting birth control tampering concerns.

Image credits: unsplash (not the actual photo)

Soon after, she realized her boyfriend was the reason why

Text discussing boyfriend tampering with girlfriend’s birth control and her discovering she is pregnant.

Text on screen describing relationship issues with a boyfriend tampering with birth control causing pregnancy.

Text discussing boyfriend tampering with girlfriend’s birth control and her reaction to pregnancy news.

Text excerpt showing quotes about motherhood, pregnancy, and relationships mentioned by various speakers.

Text excerpt about a boyfriend tampering with girlfriend’s birth control and her pregnancy discovery.

Text about birth control pills and trying different methods, relating to birth control and pregnancy tampering.

Text about keeping empty blister packs of sugar pills, reflecting on birth control and feelings of regret related to a doomsday prepping household.

Text excerpt describing a girlfriend discovering pregnancy and boyfriend’s reaction after tampering with birth control.

Alt text: Man smiles after discovering girlfriend is pregnant, suspected of tampering with her birth control pills.

Man comforts upset woman on bed, suggesting boyfriend tampers with girlfriend’s birth control causing pregnancy shock.

Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)

Text excerpt from a personal story describing the impact of boyfriend tampering with girlfriend’s birth control.

Text excerpt describing boyfriend tampering with girlfriend’s birth control and pregnancy discovery, revealing betrayal.

Alt text: Text revealing boyfriend tampered with girlfriend’s birth control pills found in trash, raising concerns about pregnancy.

Text from a woman describing confusion and regret after boyfriend tampers with her birth control, causing pregnancy.

Text excerpt showing a girlfriend reflecting on her boyfriend tampering with birth control and their relationship challenges.

Text message describing boyfriend tampering with girlfriend’s birth control using period tracker app to find ovulation dates.

Text message expressing feelings of betrayal and confusion after boyfriend tampers with girlfriend’s birth control leading to pregnancy.

Text message expressing confusion and distress about boyfriend tampering with birth control and pregnancy discovery.

Image credits: ThrowRA7777888

How common is reproductive coercion? More women experience it than you might think

Image credits: unsplash (not the actual photo)

The choice of whether or not to have children is one of the most personal decisions anyone can make. It depends on so many factors—finances, health, emotional readiness, or simply whether someone wants to or not. And for women, who are the ones carrying and giving birth, it’s firmly within their right and bodily autonomy to decide if and when that ever happens.

That’s why behaviors that push someone into pregnancy without their consent are so damaging. These actions fall under what’s known as reproductive coercion.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) defines it as “behavior intended to maintain power and control in a relationship related to reproductive health.”

In practice, it can look like sabotaging contraception—hiding or destroying birth control pills, poking holes in condoms, removing a condom during intercourse—or pressuring a partner to get pregnant against their wishes. In more extreme cases, it can even involve threats of violence if the partner doesn’t comply, whether that means terminating or continuing a pregnancy.

The consequences can be devastating. In places where abortion is heavily restricted or outright banned, a pregnancy forced on someone against their will can mean being left with no choice but to carry it to term.

Sadly, this isn’t rare. A review published in BMJ Reproductive & Sexual Health reported that as many as one in four women between the ages of 18 and 45 in the U.S. who sought primary care had experienced reproductive coercion.

“Reproductive control takes away a woman’s self-worth, self-esteem, and ability to have control over her reproductive intentions,” Sam Rowlands, a visiting professor at Bournemouth University in the United Kingdom and the lead author of the BMJ review, told Vice. “She is belittled and undermined.”

Some groups are at even higher risk. Black and multiracial women, along with younger women and teenage girls, experience this type of abuse more often. One study showed that nearly one in eight girls aged 14–19 reported reproductive coercion within just the past three months of being surveyed.

What’s especially troubling is that reproductive coercion isn’t legally recognized as its own crime in many places. The acts themselves, like sexual crimes, battery, or domestic violence, are usually illegal, but the broader pattern of coercion often goes unnamed.

So, in a landscape where the law doesn’t always catch up, what can we do to support victims? According to domestic violence center CASA, one of the most important things is simply to listen without judgment. Victims need support, space to make their own decisions, and access to resources that can help them feel safe.

Healthcare providers also play a crucial role. They can educate patients about safety planning and support services, discreetly provide confidential contraception like IUDs, implants, or injections, and connect people with harm-reduction strategies.

At the heart of it, sustaining bodily autonomy matters. No one should ever lose control over such a fundamental part of their life. If you’ve experienced reproductive coercion or suspect someone else has, don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted organizations or authorities. Know that there are people and resources ready to support you or others during this time.

Readers stood by the author offering both comfort and advice

RedFoxDelta91 and ThrowRA7777888 discussing emotions and decisions after boyfriend tampers with girlfriend’s birth control.

Text conversation discussing boyfriend tampering with girlfriend’s birth control and her difficult pregnancy decision.

Comment discussing boyfriend tampering with girlfriend’s birth control and the impact of forced pregnancy without consent.

Reddit comment warning about dangers of a boyfriend tampering with girlfriend’s birth control and its consequences.

Comment advising caution about abortion access and offering support resources related to boyfriend tampering with birth control.

Comment discussing boyfriend tampering with girlfriend’s birth control and consequences after pregnancy discovery.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment advising to terminate pregnancy and remove a boyfriend who tampers with birth control.

Comment discussing boyfriend tampering with girlfriend’s birth control and reaction to pregnancy news.

Comment discussing advice on dealing with a boyfriend who tampers with girlfriend’s birth control, urging independence and stability.

Comment warning about boyfriend tampering with girlfriend’s birth control and urging to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

Comment discussing boyfriend tampering with girlfriend’s birth control and its impact on pregnancy and personal choice.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment advising legal action after boyfriend tampers with girlfriend’s birth control and she discovers pregnancy.

Comment warning to get away from a boyfriend who tampers with girlfriend’s birth control and causes pregnancy.

Comment discussing betrayal and manipulation when a boyfriend tampers with girlfriend’s birth control leading to pregnancy.

Comment warning about boyfriend tampering with girlfriend’s birth control and advice on trust and pregnancy options.

User story text about boyfriend tampering with girlfriend’s birth control and the consequences for their child.

Text excerpt discussing boyfriend tampering with girlfriend’s birth control and consequences of pregnancy and responsibility.

Comment discussing how men tampering with birth control is a form of sexual assault and advises pressing charges and leaving the relationship.

In the end, she revealed that she had decided to terminate the pregnancy

Text post about being chronically ill, facing risky pregnancy, and fear after making an appointment for termination.

Text message conversation about an ex tampering with birth control and feeling guilty after pregnancy news is revealed.

Image credits: ThrowRA7777888

Poll Question

Total votes ·

Thanks! Check out the results:

Total votes ·

Newsletter

Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls

Subscribe

By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.

Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!