BCP and antibiotics...?
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| Sun, 04-25-2004 - 10:29pm |
Long story short, after many different meds for the acne, my Dermotologist put me on the antibiotic Minocycline (sister to Tetracycline (sp?) ) and it worked!!! (I havent' had any break-outs in over 4 months). It was a 3 month cycle with the antibiotics, so now I'm no longer taking it. With my upcoming wedding I am fearful of breaking out again so she suggested I go back on the Minocycline for a couple of months prior to the wedding (which would be soon!) to prevent the possibility of another breakout.
I've discussed it with my fiance and we decided that although we know that it (the antibiotic) can compromise the effectivemess of our BC method (the pill) that it was worth the risk since I would be so miserable if I were to have a horrible break-out right before the wedding. :(
So...I know this means back-up BC (babies are in our future, but not right away!). We really do not like condoms, any other suggestions? I've really ever only used a condom or been on the pill so I'm at a loss as to how other methods fair. Just looking for suggestions, insight from you all.
Thanks in advance!
Andi in NY

Some women who need to be on antibiotics, accutane or anti-seizure meds. for an extended period have had good luck using a diaphragm or cervical cap as back-up to oral contraceptives. A diaphragm or cap requires being fitted by a medical professional. If you have a good fitting diaphragm or cap and use it correctly and for every act of IC it is as effective as condoms. If you want to know more about Ds and Cs take a look at the Boards FAQs at http://pages.ivillage.com/cl-judie_rae/id1.html and Birth Control A – Z at http://www.ivillagehealth.com/features/birthcontrolaz/pages/0,12910,436256_438023,00.html Until recently vaginal barriers were made from latex. Now some of the newer ones are made from Silicone which is impervious to oil based lubes and medicines. For nearly 2 years I have been using a cervical cap as my primary means of contraception and a diaphragm for flow control and contraception during my period and I am very pleased with how well they work for me. If you think you might be interested in a diaphragm or cap let us know and we can provide additional information.
Good luck
Jill
Thanks for your response. I am considering the cap and have a couple of questions. You mentioned that you have "routine," I hope this isn't too intrusive, but what kind of routine? Are you able to wear it continuously, or do you have to take it out every 48-72 hours?
I have made an appointment with my OBGYN for this Wednesday to discuss being fitted for one. I think I would prefer the cap over a diaphram since it is smaller, can be inserted for a longer period of time, and uses less spermicide (I have very sensitive skin and have a feeling that excess spermicide would irritate it.)
Does the ring interact with antibiotics in a similar fashion to BCPs?
Do most insurances cover the cap?
Sorry for all the ?s.
Thanks so much,
Andi in NY
“what kind of routine?”: I wear my cap (an Oves) continuously for 72 hours, then remove, clean, reapply spermicide and reinsert after my morning bath. We are very spontaneous so I found it’s best for me to wear it that way and it has become habit. Continuous wearing might not be the thing for you. Depending on your life style inserting before DH comes home in the afternoon or before bedtime every evening might work better. What ever fits your needs, try to make it a habit so you don’t forget and be caught unprotected. Some women experience an odor if they wear a cap for more than 48 hours. That is why Prentif limited the continuous wearing interval to 48 hours. The odor’s cause is vaginal fluids reacting with the latex of the barrier. It can be minimized or eliminated by putting a drop of liquid chlorophyll in the dome prior to insertion.
If you definitely want a cap it might be a good idea to ask (if you haven’t already) if your Gyn fits caps before you go for your appointment. Some docs fit diaphragms but not caps.
“Do most insurances cover the cap?” You need to ask your carrier. It will depend on the specific insurance coverage you have as to whether barrier devices are covered. When I was with a company, my insurance did cover BCPs and devices.
More questions? Please ask. I hope your fitting goes well. Let us know how you’re doing, ok?
Good luck
Jill
Also, she did not do fittings for the cap, but suggested others in her practice that might. But since I really didn't want to mess around with the committment that entails at the moment (maybe once the wedding is over and I'm not running around like a nut I'll reconsider it) the ring sounded like a good choice to me. And it seems that many on the board have had a good experience with it, so hopefully I will too.
On another note, seems like my weight finally leveled out after sticking with the Mircette for 4 months. (I had lost nearly 10 pounds since my last visit.) So all the advice to really stick with your BCP for at least the first 3 months is very sound! Thanks Judie and Jill.