Birth Control Patch vs. Antibiotics

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-30-2003
Birth Control Patch vs. Antibiotics
1
Thu, 09-30-2004 - 6:10am
Hi Everyone,

I have a question for anyone out there who can answer it. I was on Bactrim DS for an infection and I took my last dose on Saturday the 18th. I have been told by many people that antibiotics will mess up the effects of birth control. What they don't seem to know is how long that I have to wait before I can has sex again and know that my birth control is going to be there to back me up full force. Some people say a week, some say a few days, and some even say a full month *falls on floor*. Honestly what to you gals think??

I really appreciate your help in this!!! For some reason I just trust you gals better.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 10-01-2004 - 7:44am
Well thanks! What we typically tell women, and what I usually do, is to use backup for the entire duration that you're taking the antibiotics PLUS until you've taken seven active pills in a row on time. There are lots of variations on how long you need to use backup, from only until you stop the antibiotics to a week to two weeks to a whole cycle, and I guess to us 7 days (like you'd use if you were starting all over or had missed pills) just makes sense. If you want to use backup for longer, fine! It's totally up to you! But me personally, I would make sure I got seven backed up days in there.

Good luck!

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control