Antibiotics and Birth Control

Some women are afraid of taking/using antibiotics and birth control methods at the same time. There is a myth that surrounds this fear in which no major research/study has been able to prove.

The belief that antibiotics and birth control do not mix could be exceptional cases. Some women may have experienced a decreased effect or negative result after taking antibiotics and birth control pills [for example]. One good theory to support this possibility could be the fact that some birth control pills have low dosages. Low-dosed pills usually have milder and slow effects, and taking them with other medications such as antibiotics may lower their effects even further.

Another possible theory or reason is that antibiotics and other medications of higher concentration/dosage are usually given to patients with current ailments to suppress the lingering illness. If a woman is down with fever [for example] and was prescribed to take antibiotics and other medications, the effect of her birth control pill may be over-powered by other medications during this period.

In this case, a back-up birth control method- such as a barrier method- should be used to ensure prevention of pregnancy. Normally, doctors would recommend using two methods that can go very well together. Example is the pill and the condom which also give a fair share of responsibility to both man and woman.

Some tips when taking/using antibiotics and birth control methods

• If you are planning on using any type of birth control, discuss and ask questions about them on your initial visit to the doctor.
• Always remember that prevention is better than cure, so make sure to ask a doctor before your take any antibiotics if you are currently taking or using a birth control method.
• Supplement or back-up you birth control pills with other methods such as using condoms, vaginal sponges, spermicide, etc.

You should take the following medications with caution if you are using/taking any birth control method: Amoxillin, Minocycline, Phenobarbitol and Sulfonamide. In some cases, these medications are avoided when taking/using birth control methods. Ask you doctor about these medications.

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