Birth Control Pills And Antibiotics
Birth control pills and antibiotics can cause problems for some users! Birth control pills, when used in the correct manner as prescribed, are 99% effective in preventing pregnancy. However there are certain things that can decrease its effectiveness, such as improper use and the use of medications. Certain medications, such as over-the-counter and herbal medications, are known to affect the pill's ability to work well.
There haven't been a lot of studies made regarding the combined use of birth control pills and antibiotics. However, there have been small clinical trials made on the issue whether taking antibiotics and can affect the effectiveness of birth control pills.
Birth Control Pills and Antibiotics
Some doctors recommend the use of back-up methods when taking hormonal birth control pills with antibiotics while others don't. But what if a woman really needs to worry about getting pregnant and needs to take antibiotics to treat an infection?
What Researches Say
For most women, taking birth control pills and antibiotics together causes no harmful reactions even if they are taken together for a week or two. However, medical studies discovered that antibiotics can reduce the amount of estradiol in the pills. Estradiol is a hormone that is found in oral contraceptive pills. When estradiol levels in the bloodstream drop, pregnancy becomes possible.
This however, affects only certain women. But there is no way of finding out who gets affected. Because of this, it is always best to use a back up method when taking both birth control pills and antibiotics. Rifampin, an antibiotic which is often prescribed for the treatment of tuberculosis, is found to reduce the effectiveness of the pills.
Using a Backup Method
While taking both medications, it is advisable to use other temporary birth control methods such as condoms, cervical caps, diaphragm and spermicides, just to mention a few. Natural methods can also be used such as rhythm or calendar method, basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and even abstinence, just to be safe.
If you are not sure which method to use, you can let your doctor help you decide. It is usually recommended that you use a certain back up method for two weeks and not to discontinue using the birth control pills. It is best to ask your doctor about this issue during the time he or she prescribes you the antibiotic. If your doctor will know that you are taking pills, he or she may consider some other alternative to the antibiotics.
Other Birth Control Methods that are affected by Antibiotics
Other hormonal birth control preparations such as the birth control patch, the ring and depo medroxy progesterone acetate can also be affected when taking antibiotics. It is because these methods contain the same hormones with that of the pills. Just like the pill, if you are using these methods, check with your doctor to see if you will need to use a backup method.
Aside from antibiotics, other medications that can reduce the effectiveness of birth control hormone preparations are certain anti-seizure medications, anti-HIV protease inhibitors, anti-fungal medications and St. John's Wort.
If you are taking oral medications other than your pills or any birth control hormone preparations, it is always advisable to check with your doctor first regarding the effects of birth control pills and antibiotics.