Sexual Health FAQs 22

Q. Is it true that penicillin will make my birth control pills (amoxicillin, augmentin) less effective?
A. Absolutely. Penicillin and related drugs--amoxicillin, augmentin, ampicillin, Pen VK--all 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 when you pick up your antibiotic. There are many antibiotics that will interfere with the effectiveness of your birth control pills.
How antibiotics interfere with birth control pills is actually not clear. If you are an adult female who has had a total hysterectomy (your ovaries removed), this also applies to you. You may find that your estrogen replacement therapy is not as effective. Ask your healthcare provider if she wants you to increase your dose to avoid any hot flashes, flushing or night sweats.

Q. What is Ortho Evra? ("the patch")
A. 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.
Ortho Evra is a very thin, beige, smooth patch that measures 1 3/4 inches on each of its four sides. Currently, the Ortho Evra birth control patch is available only in one color, beige. Other colors, including a clear patch, are being evaluated for future development.
Yes, you will need a prescription for this product as you would with the pill or Depo-Provera. This method will not protect you from STDs, but you can use it with condoms and spermicide for STD prevention.

Q. What is the NuvaRing, and is it effective?
A. NuvaRing is ideal for women who want a method of contraception that is effective, discreet and above all convenient. When used as directed, NuvaRing is 99 percent effective--that's every bit as effective as the pill and patch. However, unlike women who use those methods, NuvaRing users need only think about contraception once a month. This method will not protect you from STDs. Use it with condoms for STD prevention.
You insert the NuvaRing into your vagina only once a month. The muscles in your vaginal wall will keep it in place for 3 weeks. During that time, it will slowly release a low dose of hormones needed to prevent pregnancy.

Q. Can Depo-Provera decrease your sex drive?
A. It's possible that changes in hormone levels caused by Depo-Provera and or birth control pills might 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.
Depo-Provera is given to you just four times a year. Get your injection, and you’re protected for 3 months. Depo-Provera is 99.7 percent effective. You will get your first injection in the first 5 days of your period. After that, you can schedule Depo-Provera every 11 to 13 weeks, on a day that's convenient for you. You can get the injection in the upper arm or buttock, whichever you decide. Depo-Provera is effective immediately, so you walk out of your health care providers office protected against pregnancy, but not STDs.

Q. I am new to "the pill." When does the birth control pill become effective?
A. Most health care providers will recommend using a back-up method of birth control--like condoms or simply abstinence--for the entire first pack of pills. When you start your second pack, then you will be protected against pregnancy--if taken correctly. Always read the insert found inside the package of pills. Again, this method will not protect you from STDs, so use it with condoms for STD prevention.