As summer heat intensifies across much of the country, health experts are urging people to pay closer attention to how and where they store their medications, particularly birth control pills.
According to a recent advisory from Medical News Today, improper storage of birth control can significantly reduce its effectiveness, especially in areas prone to extreme temperatures or high humidity. “Prolonged periods of extreme temperature may damage birth control and make it less effective,” experts warned. “It is important to store birth control safely.”
While the bathroom cabinet or kitchen counter might seem like convenient spots to store medication, these areas often experience high humidity and temperature fluctuations. Both conditions can compromise the integrity of the pills.
Instead, experts strongly recommend storing birth control in a cool, dry place at room temperature—ideally away from direct sunlight, excess moisture, or cold. “If you’re taking birth control, you must store it in the right room or risk it not working,” the report emphasized.
The experts outlined several visible warning signs that your pills may be damaged:
- Pills sticking together
- Noticeable chips, holes, or tears
- Changes in color or smell
- Pills feel softer or harder than usual
However, they also caution that not all temperature-related damage is visible. “Medications may not always alter visibly with temperature changes,” they noted. “If birth control has no noticeable changes but a person knows it has been in extreme temperatures for a prolonged time, or if they have any doubts, it is best to be cautious.”
They advise against storing birth control in extremely cold environments as well, such as refrigerators, cars during winter, or unheated rooms. These low temperatures can also alter the composition of the pills, leading to reduced effectiveness.
If there is any suspicion that the medication may have been exposed to damaging temperatures, the safest course of action is to discard it and start a new pack or use a backup contraceptive method in the meantime.
Additionally, individuals unsure about the proper storage of their birth control should consult the packaging insert for detailed instructions or speak with a pharmacist or the medication’s manufacturer. With proper storage, birth control remains a highly effective method of preventing pregnancy. But without care, even a minor lapse—like leaving the pack in a hot car or on a windowsill—can undermine its reliability.