antibiotics interfering with birth contr

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2007
antibiotics interfering with birth contr
2
Wed, 03-28-2007 - 11:40pm
I am currently taking Levora birth control and have been for over 5 weeks. I've been taking it continuously without taking the sugar pills in order to postpone my period. I'm on the fifth straight week of hormone pills. Two days ago I went on the antibiotic Cipro to cure a bladder infection and I had sex the following day without a condom. I found out afterwards that antibiotics interfere with the effect of birth control so I took Plan B this morning. I was told to keep taking my birth control as scheduled, and that Plan B should induce my period regardless. I just want to get my period to ensure I'm not pregnant. Should I keep taking my birth control? I'm so confused, I thought you couldn't get your period while you're taking the hormone pills. Should I just stop taking the birth control so I can get my period? How long do I need a back up method if I'm supposed to be on antibiotics for 7 more days?
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-22-2006
Thu, 03-29-2007 - 7:48am

Hi,

Thats the worst thing about the pill, if you are on antibiotics it is less effective. Your pharmacist should have told you this when you got the antibiotics.

The basic rule is that you need to take 7 pills in succession before you are protected against pregnancy. Therefore, 7 days after you take the last antibiotic pill you should be protected. If you do decide to go onto the sugar pills in the pack, and you haven't been on the pill for 7 continuous days, you probably won't be protected during your period, so after you get your period, I think you are supposed to then take it for 7 days before you are protected again (not sure if this is how it works, but that is what I have done when I was on antibiotics).

I have never heard that plan B induces your period, I took it back when I first went on the pill (for the first month I used condoms and the pill just in case) and the condom broke so I took it for peace of mind. I don't think it induced my period, but it was a while ago so can't remember that well.

I'm sure there is someone on this board who can confirm whether I'm right or not, but that is just my experience with the pill (I'm on nuva ring now, and couldn't be happier not having to worry about all this stuff hehe).

Kristen

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Thu, 03-29-2007 - 9:44am

Hi question0507, welcome!


      Jill