Please help!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-01-2004
Please help!!
5
Mon, 03-01-2004 - 9:53am
Ok, here's my story...I hope that someone can help me! I'm so nervous. Let me fill you in - I'm taking Yasmin (my last active pill was Friday), but a week ago I was on an antibiotic. So, my bf and I have been using condoms during ic. Well, last night, the condom broke, but my bf pulled out before he had completely finished. I am due for my period this week (started bleeding on Thursday of last week, though - I think that's because the antibiotic weakened the birth control). I'm not sure what I should do - emergency contraception?? I don't want to get pregnant! Please help me!! Thank you!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 03-01-2004 - 10:27am
Hi Michelle, welcome!

With one or two proven exceptions, no one can say for certain that a particular antibiotic will make hormonal contraception less effective for a particular woman, it’s just that it might, so back-up is recommended during the time she is taking the med. and for at least 7 days afterward. How long had it been since your last dose of med. when the condom broke? Your risk is probably small but if you want to do everything you can to minimize it then EC is an option. If you haven’t already, take a look at the EC site http://ec.princeton.edu/ EC’s effectiveness decreases with time. The earlier it’s taken within 72 hrs. after the event the better, so if you decide on EC then the sooner you take it the better. Let us know what you decide, and how you are doing, ok?

(((Hugs)))

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Mon, 03-01-2004 - 10:27am
How long (how many active Pills) has it been since you finished the antibiotic? You said a week ago, does that mean it's been 7 days or more? If so, I wouldn't worry. If it hasn't, it can't hurt to get EC, although a doctor may not prescribe it for you, since you are on the Pill and you were using condoms - I've heard of them deciding that the chances of pregnancy are slim to none and deciding that a person doesn't need EC. But again, if it's been more than a week since you finished the antibiotic, I wouldn't worry. Plus, antibiotics are not a guarantee to weaken your Pill's effectiveness - they do this for *some* women, *some* of the time.

Hope this helps! Try not to panic, I know it's hard.

Caitlin

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-01-2004
Mon, 03-01-2004 - 10:52am
I took the last dose of my antibiotic (amoxicillin with potassium culvunate) on Feb. 22 and have taken 6 active pills since then. This past Saturday started the placebos in my birth control pill pack. I won't start another active pill until this coming Saturday (March 6). Thanks for your help!
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 03-01-2004 - 11:56am
If, after the last dose of medicine, you took the remaining 6 active pills and then began your placebos before the accident, then you should be safe from any possible reduction in your pills effectiveness caused by your antibiotic.

Good luck

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-01-2004
Mon, 03-01-2004 - 1:02pm
Thank you for your help...I've always been a lurker here, but decided I needed to consult someone here today. I really appreciate your quick responses! I feel much better now about the situation.