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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Original poster

Antibiotics on the pill?

12 replies

Lorneshmorne · 06/12/2019 19:19

So I've had two courses of antibiotics this month and wondering if this could have affected the pill. I have heard this before but Didn't even think about it until I started to have symptoms that could be pregnancy related (nausea, cramps, sore boobs and overly emotional). it's too early to test but wondered if anyone has experienced this?

OP posts:
endofthelinefinally · 06/12/2019 19:27

It should be common knowledge that antibiotics make the pill unreliable. Did you read the package inserts of your ABx and your pill?
A pregnancy test should be your next step.

Alderaan · 07/12/2019 08:13

According to this NHS page, most antibiotics don't affect contraception. Of course, no contraception is 100% reliable though .

www.nhs.uk/conditions/contraception/antibiotics-contraception/

Boymummy3 · 07/12/2019 08:46

I've always heard antibiotics can effect the pill.. Not to say they always do but I think some may do x

Bol87 · 07/12/2019 08:48

Your doctor should have really pointed this out to you! Whenever I had antibiotics on the pill, my doctor would ask if I was using contraception & I was always warned to use extra protection for during & several days after!

thosethreewords · 07/12/2019 08:50

@Lorneshmorne most antibiotics do not affect the combined pill. There is one that does but that is mainly used for tuberculosis (rifampacin) so if you are taking antibiotics that your GP hasn't recommended extra precautions with (and taking the pill properly) you will be fine.
I'm a GP.

thosethreewords · 07/12/2019 08:50

@endofthelinefinally this is incorrect and out of date advice

AdalindMeisner · 07/12/2019 08:51

As pp says Dr should have pointed this out. My mum got pregnant with my brother whilst taking antibiotics and on the pill (and she didn't find out until a bit later in the pregnancy as she was still having periods).

GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 07/12/2019 08:53

I had an antibiotic that did affect my contraception and it was pointed out to me. Most don’t affect it though.

Original poster
Lorneshmorne · 09/12/2019 16:59

We are planning on trying again in the not too distant future so no big deal if I am pregnant. Dr didn't mention it either time though I did already know just forgot 😂 was more wondering how likely it is as I read its not very likely at all. I'll test when i can, thanks for all the responses!

OP posts:
ememem84 · 09/12/2019 17:06

I got pregnant while on the pill. And thinking about it now I had taken a course of antibiotics earlier in the month. Plus we’d just moved house so stressful time. Dd is 4.5 months now.

Lulufluff · 09/12/2019 17:30

Currently about to have a baby and I was on the pill - the course of antibiotics did it for me :)

squee123 · 10/12/2019 09:06

I'm pregnant despite being on the pill, never missing one, not taking antibiotics and not having a stomach bug. Unfortunately it isn't 100% effective

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