WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for December, 2001: Re: [Birth Control] Antibiotics and birth control

Re: [Birth Control] Antibiotics and birth control

From: William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 24 Dec 2001 08:25:44 -0600 (CST)

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In reply to: E.L.: "[Birth Control] Antibiotics and birth control"

At Sun, 23 Dec 2001, E.L. wrote: >
>I am currently taking Demulen (monophasic regimen) and have been for
>some time now. I was put on minocin for two months for an infection.
>The first month, I took 2 pills a day, but then the next month I only
>took one pill a day. The first month my period was normal. But, the
>second month, I had an irregular period and was wondering if BCPs, in
>combination with the antibiotics, can effect menstration in some way?
>Also, you always hear everyone saying to use a second method of birth
>control just to be safe when using BCPs and antibiotics together. I
>completely agree with that. But, I was wondering if a weaker
>antibiotic, like minocin (compared to something like penicillin) really
>decreases the effectiveness of the BCPs that much? My fiance and I only
>have sex right after my periods, so even if the antibiotic did weaken
>the effectiveness of the pill then, as I understand it, my chances of
>becoming pregnant are slim (we usually use a second method, but recently
>have not). Anyway, I have been wondering to what degree antibiotics
>effect BCPs, like Demulen, for a while, so any info would be great!
>Thanks a bunch!

Almost any antibiotic can affect the pill and make it less effective. Always use another method. I am not sure doubling up will be the best way to get that extra protection. As far as your cycle being weird, it could have been from the hormonal changes you wrought upon yourself as much as from the antibiotic.

--
William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG
Chairman, Editorial Advisory Board
Pregnancy and Birth Section
Private Practice
New Orleans, La.

*Please understand I can not respond to private emails.

*These comments are for educational purposes only.  They are
not meant to take the place of an examination by a qualified
health care provider.  They are not intended to be the start
of a physician-patient relationship.

Next message: William F. von Almen, II, MD, FACOG: "Re: troverted Uterus"
Previous message: CHRISTINE: "differentiating between menopause and perimenopause"
In reply to: E.L.: "[Birth Control] Antibiotics and birth control"

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