One common concern among child-bearing-age women is whether taking antibiotics could have an effect on birth control. The answer, Marla Ahlgrimm asserts, is yes, specifically for women taking estrogen-based oral contraceptive.
Marla Ahlgrimm reports that antibiotics can have a negative effect on estrogen-based oral contraceptives. This is because antibiotics, which are meant to kill bacteria that trigger infection and illness, also attack healthy bacteria in the gut that activates certain types of birth control.
According to Marla Ahlgrimm, one of the first indications of antibiotic interference is mid-cycle bleeding, spotting outside of a period. This is a good sign that any oral birth controls being taken may be less effective and that sexual contact should be avoided if other forms of birth control are not immediately available. It is important to note that topical antibiotics, such as creams and gels, are not likely to affect birth control as they are not absorbed into the bloodstream. These are ointments used to heal cuts and scrapes.
Marla Ahlgrimm says women who do not wish to become pregnant while taking antibiotics and oral contraceptives should implement other birth control methods at least one week after finishing their antibiotic course. Condoms along with spermicidal gel are recommended.
Since antibiotics typically only affect estrogen-based birth control, it is still considered safe to engage in normal sexual activity if using an implanted, injectable, or a progestin-only birth control pill. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that unlike oral estrogen-based birth control, these types of contraception are not affected by antibiotics or anti-seizure medications.
Women who become pregnant while taking antibiotics should seek immediate medical consult, as some antibiotics can increase the risk of birth defects. Birth defects are not associated with becoming pregnant while on birth control.
Marla Ahlgrimm has co-authored two ground-breaking books,