How Does Birth Control Pill Work?

Birth control pills are a kind of hormonal contraception intended to obstruct pregnancy. However, most birth control pills contain the two hormones estrogen and progesterone.

This aids block the release of eggs from the ovary. Additionally, some birth control pills, such as the minipill, help thicken cervical mucus to make it more challenging for sperm to reach an unfertilized egg.

The Connection Between Antibiotics and Birth Control Pills

Well, until now, the only antibiotic shown to impact birth control pills is rifampin.

Rifampin is used to treat tuberculosis and other bacterial infections. When taken this medication while using birth control pills, it reduces the hormone levels in your birth control pills.

However, decreasing hormone levels can affect whether ovulation is blocked.

In addition, your birth control becomes less efficient. Rifampin also reduces hormone levels in the birth control patch and vaginal ring.


  • clarithromycin
  • doxycycline
  • ciprofloxacin
  • metronidazole
  • temafloxacin
  • roxithromycin

Other drugs may make birth control less effective, such as:

  • some anti-seizure medications
  • the antifungal drug griseofulvin
  • anti-HIV protease inhibitors

Drugs like analgesics and blood pressure medication may have less effect when taken birth control pills.

The consequences of bronchodilators, antidepressants, and tranquilizers may be improved when you use them with birth control pills.

Some Side Effects of Birth Control Pills and Antibiotics

Well, there’s no much scientific study on the adverse side results of taking antibiotics with birth control pills.


  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • changes in appetite
  • headaches
  • dizziness

Side effects may differ depending on the individual and the class of antibiotics taken. Somehow, not everyone who takes birth control pills and antibiotics encounters negative side effects.

Notwithstanding anecdotal proof that antibiotics lessen the effectiveness of birth control pills, there may be other factors at play that lead to birth control failure.

How to Take Birth Control Pill Correctly

Birth control pills can be 99% effective When used as directed in preventing pregnancy.

Most birth control pills are taken daily for 21 days and 7 days off. while some pills are taken for 28 straight days and others for 91 straight days.

Furthermore, pills may be different colors to show different levels of hormones.


Your doctor will instruct you about when to start taking your pills.

This is normally the first Sunday after your menstrual cycle commences or the first day of your menstrual cycle. Notably, you should take your pills at the same time each day.

Your chance of becoming pregnant may increase If you don’t take your pills consistently.

Choose a Birth Control Method That’s Right for You


  • pills
  • shots
  • rings
  • condoms
  • implants
  • diaphragms

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests you should ask yourself some best questions before commencing on any pill:

  • Do I wish to have children someday?
  • Do I have any medical problems?
  • How often do I have sex?
  • How many sex partners do you have?
  • Is it difficult or inconvenient to use?
  • Will birth control prevent HIV and other STD?
  • How well does birth control work?
  • What are the side effects?

Mind you that when it comes to birth control pills, you run out of ideas on what option that best works for you.

While it is obvious that not every woman is a good candidate for every type of birth control pill.

For instance, if you’re older than 35 and you have a history of heart disease, stroke or smoke then is likely that the birth control pills not for you.

Notably, in case you have breast cancer or unexplained uterine bleeding, then minipills may not be the best fit.

Which Birth Control Is Right for You?

To be on the safer side, the best person to assist you with birth control direction is your doctor. Safe medication may bad or cause harm to your health.

Your doctor can discuss the pros and cons which may not be of knowledge to you.