The effectiveness of birth control pills may be reduced as a result of the use of certain medications, herbs, and even … fruits. Alcohol, although indirectly, may also contribute to the reduced effectiveness of hormonal contraception. What medications and substances should be considered when taking the contraceptive pill?

The list of substances that affect the effectiveness of hormonal contraception is long. This does not mean, however, that its use does not make sense, on the contrary - hormonal contraception is considered the most effective, provided that it is used in accordance with the following rules.

Drugs that reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills

The list of drugs that affect the effectiveness of birth control pills covers several groups of preparations. It contains the following (active substances of drugs are given in brackets):

  • antiepileptic drugs (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, primidone, phenobarbital, topiramate),
  • enhancing peristalsis (e.g. metoclopramide),
  • laxative,
  • anti-tuberculosis (e.g. rifampicin, rifabutin),
  • antidepressants,
  • antiviral (e.g. nelfinavir, ritonavir, nevirapine, efavirenz),
  • disrupting fat absorption,
  • antifungal (e.g. griseofulvin)

And many others (e.g. modafinil used to treat narcolepsy, or to reduce sleepiness caused by shift work). You don't have to remember all of them, of course. All you need to do is inform your doctor about the use of hormonal pills before prescribing a new drug. Information on interactions with contraceptive pills should also be included in the drug leaflet, so be sure to read it before using it.

Antibiotics that reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills

Antibiotics are a large group of drugs that reduce the effects of pills. Among them, there are preparations based on substances such as:

  • tetracyclines,
  • penicillin,
  • ryfampicyna
  • cephalosporins.

It has been indicated that this is due to a disturbance in the composition of the intestinal flora as a consequence of taking the antibiotic, which reduces the absorption of hormones into the blood. Therefore, it is best to use additional security when taking such medications.

Dietary supplements that reduce the effectiveness of contraceptive pills

Medicinal charcoal is one of the popular dietary supplements that may affect the effectiveness of oral contraception. When used fairly commonly in the treatment of diarrhea, it can absorb other medications, including hormonal preparations. Therefore, it is recommended to use at least 3-4 hours between taking charcoal and the contraceptive pills.

The same principle applies to chromium, which is found in many dietary supplements for weight loss. You also have to be careful with such an inconspicuous dietary component as flaxseed - it produces mucus in the digestive tract, which makes it difficult to absorb substances from medicines. The same is the case with psyllium plantain. Some doctors also advise against tryptophan supplementation while taking birth control pills.

Vitamin C, grapefruit juice and birth control pills

Vitamin C used in doses above 1000 mg, as well as excessively consumed grapefruit juice, is another item on our list. Slowing down the hepatic metabolism of oestrogens increases the levels of hormones in the blood. This results in an increased risk of side effects, e.g. nausea and vomiting.

Particular attention should also be paid to the sudden discontinuation of vitamin C. The consequence of this may be a rapid decrease in the level of estrogen in the blood, which increases the risk of ovulation, and thus reduces the effectiveness of contraception.

Alcohol and the effectiveness of birth control pills

Alcohol as a substance that reduces the effectiveness of hormonal contraception is a common myth. In fact, its chemical composition and operation have no influence on it. However, it is often mentioned as a threat to the effects of pills, because if consumed in excessive amounts, it can cause vomiting. If the contraceptive pill is taken within 3-4 hours before the onset of vomiting, there is a risk that the contraceptive effectiveness may be reduced as a result of incomplete absorption of the pill. How to avoid "slip-ups"? Common sense is the only solution. Always inform your doctor that you are taking the tablets, and in the case of over-the-counter substances - just read the leaflet! If the preparation affects the effectiveness of contraception, such information will undoubtedly be included there.

Worth knowing

It may be hard to believe, but even the basic drug paracetamol can also reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraception. This does not mean, however, that you should completely give it up - as long as we stick to the recommended dose, i.e. up to 3g a day, we have nothing to worry about.

Herbs and effectivenesscontraceptive pills

Do you use herbs for everyday ailments, or maybe you just brew tea to calm down? In both cases, you should be careful, because herbs have a great influence on the effectiveness of hormonal contraception. Those that may weaken its effect include St. John's wort, Angelica and Black cohosh.

The most popular of these isSt. John's Wort , which is found in many teas, supplements, and sedatives available over the counter at pharmacies. It is an inconspicuous plant, the use of which can result in up to 15 percent. a drop in the level of hormones in the blood, which increases the risk of ovulation and reduces the effectiveness of contraception. It is worth remembering that the effects of St. John's wort may last up to two weeks!

Chinese angelica and black cohosh have estrogenic effects, and their strong effect on the hormonal balance may also reduce the effectiveness of contraception.

Among other herbs, it is worth avoiding those that have a laxative effect, i.e. senna, buckthorn, vomiting or vomiting.

Contraception - what do you not know about it?

Important

Hormonal contraception: rules you need to know

Don't look for ways to get hormonal contraceptives (hormonal pills, contraceptive patches, contraceptive injections) bypassing the gynecologist. Do not buy them online, because you may find counterfeit products. Do not get a prescription from a friend of a doctor who has no idea about your he alth, and do not take "spare" pills from a friend. Hormonal agents are therefore sold on prescription to take them only under the strict supervision of a specialist. Doing them on your own can do more harm than good. Sometimes the effects of careless behavior can leave a mark for life. When the preparation used causes any disturbing symptoms, such as pain and swelling of the breasts, pain in the calves, nausea, spotting or a deterioration in well-being, contact your doctor to assess whether these are minor symptoms, which will pass by themselves, or if you need to change the preparation (then he will tell you when to stop taking your current pills). Never stop the treatment yourself - there is a risk of hormonal imbalance, which sometimes requires long treatment. The contraceptive pill may be less effective if you experience diarrhea and vomiting within an hour of taking the pill. If this happens to you, you should use a condom to make sure you have your next period to be sure.continue your current method of contraception without harm to your he alth. Do them at least once a year.

Is hormonal contraception safe?

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Pregnancy