Birth control and antibiotic

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2006
Birth control and antibiotic
9
Thu, 01-04-2007 - 1:56pm

Hi,

For a while now I have heard people say that the use of antibiotics can decrease the efficiency of the pill. Recently I had strep throat and I was taking Amoxillin for 3 days. I did not use other measures of protection and I had sex with my husband twice around that time. I am in my placebo week of pills (my period started today) and I am supposed to start the new package of pills on Sunday. Because I don't know if I have become pregnant during this time should I start this next package of pills or should I wait for one month and make sure I am not pregnant and re-start taking the pills.

Thanks

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 01-04-2007 - 8:31pm

Hi

      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-05-2005
Fri, 01-05-2007 - 2:36pm

I don't mean to steal the thread, but I thought the decreased effectiveness was because of diarrhea that you might get while taking the antibiotic?? If that's not the case, is the reason because the antibiotic actually might possibly inhibit the BC? I may have messed up. OMG! I thought it was just diarrhea with antibiotics that messed up the absorption of the pill! I can't remember when we last were together, but I'm pretty sure it was while I was taking the antibiotics (Dec. 12), if not, it was not 7 days after, because AF showed before 7 days of the pill, but was very, very light. I've had a few "traditional symptoms" that I was just attributing to the pill itself, but in addition to those and really bad heartburn and nausea has caused my BF to question whether or not I could be pg. But really since I did have my period, even though it was light (I am on the pill so that would be okay) I realize I could take a test, but is that necessary? What would ya'll do?

K

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Fri, 01-05-2007 - 6:54pm

Hi again itsjustme2005,


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2006
Mon, 01-08-2007 - 4:30pm

Jill thanks for answering my questions. I am feeling less stressed out about the probability of being pregnant but here is my question for you. If I had gotten pregnant the last week of active pills and then continued normally with my placebo pills would I still get my period even though I was pregnant? This doesnt's seem very possible but I am just not sure about the answer. I have decided to not take my pills this month and take a pregnancy test in two weeks just to be positive I am not pregnant. Then I plan to continue my BC and use backup if I ever have to take antibiotics again.

Thanks for your help.

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2006
Mon, 01-08-2007 - 4:38pm

Hi itsjustme2005,

You are not stealing the thread we are here to help each other out. This whole antibiotic/BC interaction seems to be different for everyone. There is no way of telling the effect of the antibiotic on each woman so just to be sure you should take a pregnancy test in 2 weeks.
During my first 3 months of starting the pill I felt so sick, I had nausea, heart burn, I felt dizzy and my period did not come one month. I swore I was pregnant but it turns out it was my body getting used to the pill, after the first 3 months it went away and I haven't had any problems since. How long ago have you been taking the pill, your symptoms maybe secondary effects of the pill and not pregnancy. I hope all turns out well with you.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Mon, 01-08-2007 - 9:54pm

Hi again alrims,


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-05-2005
Tue, 01-09-2007 - 9:04am

I am in the middle of my 3rd month. I thought the cramps and tender breasts had stopped, but they returned last week along with heartburn and nausea. I started taking the antibiotics on Dec. 12 and took them for a week. So it has been more than 2 weeks I could go ahead and test, but like you said, it could just be the side effects of the pills. I went to get a test yesterday, just in case. But the store I went to only had a really cheap one, and I started to get it, but you know those mind games you play with yourself. I knew if I got that one and it was negative, I'd wonder if it were good enough to pick up that hormone in the first month. So I knew I'd just have to buy another, so I didn't get it. Silly right? I will probably test, but I think it's okay. Well, it would be okay either way, just a little surprise. I'll go to a different place today and see. I know I've read where people by the really cheap ones and they get a positive. I'm sure they're just as accurate in most cases, it's just a mind game. I'll let you know.

Thanks

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-02-2004
Tue, 01-09-2007 - 12:15pm
Just FYI, I've always been told by friends that the cheapo dollar store tests are the best at detecting early! Don't know why, but ALOT of my friends swear by them! lol I've always bought the store brand tests and had correct results. Anyway, hope you get the results your looking for! Keep us updated!!
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iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2006
Tue, 01-09-2007 - 3:08pm

Hi itsjustme,

Is probably the side effects of the pills, I think there is slight variation with each package of pills and this month they maybe a little bit stronger. I compeletely understand your worry about the cheap tests, I have always used Target brand and they seem good although I don't have that much experience with all the brands out there. Good luck on the tests and I think now we know to use backup when we are taking antibiotics.