Hormonal birth control methods, such as oral contraceptives, are effective for preventing pregnancy because they inhibit ovulation. Some medications, however, can decrease the effectiveness of these pills, which can result in unplanned pregnancies.
Antibiotics Which Can Affect Birth Control
Certain antibiotics have the ability to interact with with hormonal birth control methods, such as oral contraceptives. Rifampin, notes MayoClinic.com, has been shown to decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control. Other antibiotics which may affect the effectiveness of oral contraceptives include amoxicillin, penicillin, minocycline, sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline and ampicillin.
Low-Dose Contraceptives
Some forms of the newer forms of hormonal birth control use lower doses of hormones, MayoClinic.com explains. Women who are using these lower-dose forms of birth control are more susceptible to the effects of antibiotics on their birth control.
Prevention
Because the effects of antibiotics on hormonal birth control has not been fully researched, most doctors recommend that women taking antibiotics and birth control simultaneously use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms or a diaphragm. This should continue until the female has her menstrual period.
Member Comments