Curious abour bcp and antibiotics

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2004
Curious abour bcp and antibiotics
3
Thu, 07-22-2004 - 12:42pm
Hi,

My doctor perscribed an antibiotic for me (I have a UTI - ugh!) and then tole me that there is a small risk that I might become pregnant if I don't use back up for the 5 days I'm on antibiotics. This dosen't really bother me because a) I've been bad this week and taken my pills late so I was going to use backup anyways b) my "lower region" is in so much pain from this UTI deal that I don't want anyone going anywhere near it - especially to have sex. But I'm still curious - can I really ovulate in 5 days? and if so, why is it that as soon as I get off the antibiotics I am safe and free from risk again? what if I ovulated on day 5? I know the pill inhibits sperm from reaching the egg through changes in cervical mucous, and also prevents implantation of an already fertilised egg, but does that happen in one pill? I mean - lets say I ovulate on day 5 and have unprotected sex on day 6 (which is fine according to my doctor) the egg would still be there and has the pill really had a chance to take effect and change my CM?

Hmm... sounds like backup protection for at least another week after unless someone can tell me I'm just neurotic and making up unlikely scenarios..... Thanks to anyone who tries to help. I hope this made some sense.

~Laura
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-05-2004
Thu, 07-22-2004 - 3:48pm
Hi,

It is my understanding that you have to use backup during the time you are on antibiotics and for 7 days after you are no longer on antibiotics. It is not safe to have sex the very day after you are off antibiotics without other protection. Hope this helps.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2004
Thu, 07-22-2004 - 10:19pm
that's what I thought - but not what my doctor said. She told me that as sson as i finish my antibiotics I"m safe - no waiting 7 days. That's why I'm confused.

Anyone else have thoughts?

~Laura
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 07-22-2004 - 10:48pm
Hi Laura,

“can I really ovulate in 5 days? and if so, why is it that as soon as I get off the antibiotics I am safe and free from risk again?”

Yes some women can ovulate and no you aren’t safe immediately afterward! Let me explain. There are some women for whom the effectiveness of their hormonal method will be reduced on some pills. No one knows who those women are so we recommend that all women treat antibiotics as if they will reduce the effectiveness of their hormonal birth control. If your protection is reduced no one knows when you will ovulate. So, you need to use back-up while taking your ABs and continue using back-up for at least the next 7 days of correct pill use after taking the last dose of antibiotics. This information and more is in the post “Taking your pills correctly” in the FAQ folder at the top of the board

“sounds like backup protection for at least another week after unless someone can tell me I'm just neurotic…”

You are exactly right! If the effectiveness of your pills is compromised by the antibiotics you are taking then you need to build up the hormone level in your body at the end of your medicine, that’s the 7 days of correct pill usage after the ABs, during which time you should use back-up.

Let us know how you’re doing, ok?

Good luck,

      Jill