Strep throat

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Strep throat
1
Sun, 06-20-2004 - 1:54pm
I went to the doctor today and found out that I have strep throat. He put me on penicilin and warned me about the side effects of using it with the pill. I have a couple of questions:

1. I know that sperm can live inside of the body for a few days. The last time I had intercourse was on Friday, and I just started the penicilin today (Sunday). Do I need to be concerned about that? I assume that the decrease in effectiveness is only related to sex you have AFTER you start the antiobiotic. Is that correct? (BTW we plan to be very careful and use backup while I'm on the penicilin.)

2. I am leaving for Las Vegas tomorrow! Yay! The doctor warned my that consuming alcohol with an antiobiotic wasn't the best idea. He said that the combination of alcohol and an antiobiotic would severely decrease the effectivess of the pill. I wasn't aware that alcohol had any effect on the pill. Actually, I was told that it had absolutely no effect. What do you ladies know about alcohol consumption and the pill?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
In reply to: estakia
Sun, 06-20-2004 - 4:01pm
Hi estakia, welcome back!

It was good than your doc. warned you about penicillin. If you aren't fertile, and you shouldn't have been if you are taking your pills correctly, then IC on Friday should be no problem because sperm can live for only a few hours in the vagina without the presence of fertile cervical fluid. You should use back-up while you are on your antibiotic and for at least 7 days after taking the last dose. As far as I know alcohol will not reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, except indirectly if too much causes you to forget to take them. However, there is research going on to determine if hormonal contraceptives interfere with the metabolism of alcohol thus increasing its effects in women who drink while on BCPs. If I were you I’d ask your doctor if that's what s/he meant. Enjoy your trip to 'Lost Wages'!

Good luck

      Jill