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Archive for the ‘Medication’ Category

Antibiotics and Birth Control Pills

Thursday, July 30, 2009
posted by Mike S

Antibiotics and Birth Control Pills


There is a thin line between antibiotics and birth control, understanding the connection between the two is vital if you plan to prevent an unexpected pregnancy. There are a number of stories online about women who have had unplanned pregnancies while on the pill. The ironic thing about these stories is that many of these pregnancies resulted while also using antibiotics and/or other forms of medications. These stories could very well have validity to them, considering there really isn’t any method of birth control that’s fool proof. This can be very confusing for sincere women around the world.

Antibiotics as Interferers

Women have been inundated with stories similar to the above for ages about how antibiotics or penicillin can interrupt the function of birth control pills; but according to a leading healthcare facility known as Mayo Clinic, there are no studies which prove that antibiotics can cause interruption with the function of birth control. However, studies have shown that there is one antibiotic that has caused loss of effectiveness, and that drug is rifampin, derived from rifamycin, which works through interfering with one’s RNA synthesis.

Effectiveness of Antibiotics

Certainly, a minimum amount of women could experience a diminish in effectiveness through the use of antibiotics, so physicians are sure to inform women to use protection or other forms of birth control while using antibiotics. The unfortunate thing is that there’s actually no conceivable way of knowing if you fall under that category of women unless the unexpected happens; which is, a pregnancy. There are new versions of low-dose birth control pills that are less effective in some cases. People who use these “mini-pills” should be particularly cautious while taking antibiotics.

While antibiotics can decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills in women, they do not increase fertility in men. So, men taking antibiotics do not need to worry. However, women should always talk to their doctor about using secondary methods of contraception while taking antibiotics.

Interfering Drugs

Even though there are certain degrees in which antibiotics can affect the chemistry of your body, there are drugs on the market that could cause a decrease in effectiveness of birth control pills. Online you can find a complete list of medications (antibiotics or otherwise) that are classified as interferers.

Taking medications or antibiotics which are not classified as interferers doesn’t mean that there will be some sort of nominal effect. What is recommended however is that you consult your primary care provider if you’re unsure about their use while on other medication.

If you’ve discovered that you’re taking one or more of these interferers with your birth control pills, doctors have recommended that you subscribe to a secondary method of birth control just to be safe. This second alternative that you subscribe to should be combined with your antibiotics and continuous use should take place for at least seven days afterwards. It would not be wise to stop the use of your birth control pills while on antibiotics because it could cause your body to make unnecessary adjustments. Most importantly, discuss any and all concerns with your primary healthcare provider when seeking alternative solutions while on antibiotics and birth control.