does antibiotics hinder birth control?

Answer 1

There are two ways that antibiotics potentially can reduce the action of birth control pills. Birth control pills contain estrogens. Some antibiotics, e.g., rifampin, griseofulvin, cause the enzymes in the liver to increase the break-down of estrogens and thereby can decrease the levels of estrogens in the body and the effectiveness of the pills. This can result in unwanted pregnancy. Therefore, individuals taking birth control pills should use a second method of birth control when taking these antibiotics or other drugs that can increase the break-down of estrogens.

The other way that antibiotics could interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills is by reducing the re-circulation of estrogens within the body. Estrogens, e.g., ethinyl estradiol, in birth control pills are broken-down by conversion in the liver to other chemicals which are then secreted into the intestines in the bile that is produced by the liver. Bacteria in the intestine are able to convert these chemicals back into the active estrogen which is then reabsorbed into the body.. This re-circulation is called entero-hepatic cycling. Theoretically, antibiotics can kill the bacteria that convert the inactive chemicals to the active estrogen, and, therefore, may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Unwanted pregnancies could occur. Although it has not been proven that unwanted pregnancies can occur by this means, drug manufacturers caution that antibiotics could decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Since it is better to be safe than sorry, individuals taking birth control pills are advised to use a second reliable method of birth control when taking antibiotics.

Answer 2

Some kinds of antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control. There's not a lot of data out there because it's hard to find people willing to take birth control and antibiotics at the same time. You need to talk to your doctor and pharmacist to find out about your specific medications. If not getting pregnant is very important to you, use condoms while you are on antibiotics and for about a week afterwards. It will be worth your peace of mind.

I thought I might be pregnant last month because I forgot I was on antibiotics and didn't use a condom. The panic just about killed us for weeks before we found out I wasn't. It wouldn't have been horrible, but we'd like to wait a while longer. :)

Best of luck!

Answer 3

Yes they can. It depends on what type of birth control you are referring to - but I'll assume that you mean hormonal therapy (the pill, oral contraceptives.)

The best thing to do is to talk to your doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions with the antibiotics. I would also say that if someone is taking antibiotics, it's for an infection, and it would be wise to abstain from sexual contact until the infection has cleared.

Answer 4

Yes, make sure you ask the Pharmacist or Dr any questions you may have before taking antibiotics and being on birth control, My friend ended up prego and she was reglious on taking her pill every day!

Answer 5

Yes. it depends on which one. There' s always information with birth control pills. I have Ortho Tri- Cyclen. this is the list of antibiotics which affect my pills:
Such drus include rifampin, drugs used for epilepsy such as barbiturates( for example phenobarbital), topiramate(Topamax),
carbamazepine(Tegretol), or phenytoin (Dilantin)
Also pregnancies have been reported by women who also used
some form of the herbal supplement supplement St. John's Wort while using combined hormonal contraceptives.
Hopefully it anwsers on your question somehow:)

Answer 6

YES! If your girl is on antibiotics make sure you use protection that month. And wait about 2 weeks after she is on it, to "not use protection" if that is your choice. But it's always wise to use protection. But yes, antibiotics can cause a women to get pregnant on the pill if practicing unsafe sex

Answer 7

Yes

Answer 8

YES. while you are on antibiotics, you are supposed to use another form of B.C....

read the label of the b.c. and you will see that anitbiotics and SMOKING both do this

Answer 9

Yes, check with a doctor to be sure what and how

Answer 10

yes