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Is it true that penicillin will make my birth control pills less effective?
Absolutely. Penicillin and related antibiotics have the potential to interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills. Always use a back-up method of birth control when taking any antibiotic, but do continue to take your pill as you usually do--your body is already used to the "cycle" of the pill. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist, because many antibiotics will interfere with the effectiveness of your birth control pills. How antibiotics interfere with birth control pills, however, is actually not clear.
What is Ortho Evra?
The Ortho Evra birth control patch is a highly effective, weekly hormonal birth control patch that is worn on the skin to prevent pregnancy. The patch is worn for one week and replaced on the same day of the week for three consecutive weeks, with the fourth week "patch-free." Ortho Evra combines the efficacy of the birth control pill with once-a-week dosing. Just like other hormonal birth control, Ortho Evra is available by prescription only and will not protect you from STDs.
What is the NuvaRing, and is it effective?
NuvaRing is ideal for women who want a method of contraception that is effective, discreet and convenient. When used as directed, NuvaRing is 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy but not effective at protecting you from STDs, similar to the pill and the patch. However, unlike women who use those methods, NuvaRing users need only think about contraception once a month, when they insert the ring, which slowly releases a low dose of hormones needed to prevent pregnancy.
Can Depo-Provera decrease your sex drive?
It's possible that changes in hormone levels caused by Depo-Provera and or any other drug could cause a decrease in sex drive. If this is a side effect for you, tell your health care provider and decide if you want to continue with this method.
I am new to "the pill." When does the birth control pill become effective?
Most health care providers recommend using a back-up method of birth control for the entire first pack of pills. When you start your second pack, then you will be protected against pregnancy--if you take the pills as directed. Always read the insert found inside the package of pills. This method does not protect you from STDs, so use it with condoms for STD prevention.
