Nearly all women have used a form of birth control during their reproductive years. But not all birth control methods are for everyone — particularly women taking certain medications or dietary supplements. Think antibiotics, seizure medicines, and even some herbal formulations.
Translation: It’s not just about remembering to take a birth control pill; it’s important to know what else is in your medicine cabinet and how it might affect you during birth control use.
If you’re wondering if your birth control of choice may interact with your medications, see our experienced OB/GYN physicians at Women’s Health Services in Arlington or Grand Prairie, Texas, to find a perfect birth control method based on your health history.
From pills to patches, injections, vaginal rings, and intrauterine devices (IUDs), there’s an array of birth control options to choose from.
But some types of birth control and medications don’t mesh well together because they affect specific enzymes in your liver. These enzymes control how fast medicines break down and how long they stay active in your body.
The following medications may alter the effectiveness of your birth control pills:
Tell your Women’s Health Services provider about any medications or dietary supplements you take to determine if there’s a potential for an interaction with your birth control pills. It’s also helpful to read the insert in any prescribed medications to check for interaction warnings.
Choosing the birth control method that’s best suited for you depends on your health history, medications, preferences, religious beliefs, and goals. Your women’s health specialist tailors a treatment plan to your individualized needs. It’s critical to disclose all medications and supplements you take to maximize birth control pill effectiveness.
But just because you’re taking a medication that could interfere with certain forms of birth control doesn’t mean you have to avoid all forms. Your OB/GYN specialist may offer other birth control options or alter your medications to avoid interactions.
And if you’re finished having children or desire not to have kids, you may be a candidate for permanent birth control procedures, so you don’t have to worry about remembering to take a pill or potential medication interactions.
Find the perfect birth control option for your individualized needs by contacting our office nearest you. Call us or request an appointment online today; bring your list of medications and supplements with you.
