Can You Take Emergency Contraceptive Pills with Regular Birth Control?

If you have taken a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication, can you simultaneously take a post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medication?

Hello, Dr.
Zhang.
My girlfriend has been consistently taking oral contraceptives, but recently she has also been taking antibiotics.
We only realized after having intercourse yesterday that antibiotics can affect the efficacy of the oral contraceptives.
I have the following questions:
1.
Is it appropriate to take emergency contraception today?
2.
Should we just wait for a pregnancy test to confirm if she is pregnant?
3.
Is it true that urine or blood pregnancy tests can only be used 7 days after the incident? I have seen some sources stating that both tests are applicable 12 to 16 days later.
Thank you.

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/30

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, taking the emergency contraceptive again can further confirm its effectiveness.
If your period is delayed, you can check for pregnancy with a urine test.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2015/08/30

More Info

When it comes to the use of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) alongside regular birth control methods, there are several important considerations to keep in mind, especially in the context of your girlfriend's situation where she is taking antibiotics that may affect the efficacy of her regular contraceptive pills.

1. Can You Take Emergency Contraceptive Pills with Regular Birth Control?
Yes, it is generally safe to take emergency contraceptive pills while on regular birth control. ECPs, such as Plan B or Ella, can be used as a backup method if there is a concern about contraceptive failure, such as missed pills or interactions with other medications like antibiotics. However, it is essential to understand that ECPs are not intended to replace regular contraceptive methods but rather to provide additional protection in case of unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure.

2. Effect of Antibiotics on Birth Control Pills:
Certain antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives, leading to a higher risk of unintended pregnancy. While most antibiotics do not affect the efficacy of birth control pills, some, like rifampin and rifabutin, are known to have this effect. If your girlfriend is taking a known antibiotic that can interfere with her birth control, it is advisable to use additional contraceptive methods, such as condoms, during the course of the antibiotic treatment and for a short period afterward.

3. Timing of Pregnancy Tests:
If there is a concern about potential pregnancy due to unprotected intercourse, it is important to know when to take a pregnancy test. Urine pregnancy tests can typically detect pregnancy about one week after a missed period, which is usually around 14 days after ovulation. Blood tests, which are more sensitive, can detect pregnancy earlier, often within a few days of conception. However, for the most reliable results, it is recommended to wait until at least the first day of a missed period or about 14 days after potential conception.

4. Next Steps:
Given that your girlfriend is on regular birth control and has taken antibiotics, it would be prudent for her to take the emergency contraceptive pill as a precautionary measure if there is any doubt about the effectiveness of her regular contraceptive method. After taking the ECP, she should continue her regular birth control as prescribed. Additionally, she should monitor her menstrual cycle and consider taking a pregnancy test if her period is late.

5. Consulting a Healthcare Provider:
It is always a good idea for your girlfriend to consult with her healthcare provider regarding her specific situation, especially concerning the antibiotics she is taking and their potential interactions with her birth control. A healthcare provider can offer personalized advice and may suggest alternative contraceptive methods during the course of antibiotic treatment.

In summary, taking emergency contraceptive pills while on regular birth control is generally safe and can provide an additional layer of protection against unintended pregnancy, especially when there are concerns about the effectiveness of the regular contraceptive due to antibiotic use. Monitoring for pregnancy with appropriate testing is also crucial if there is any uncertainty.

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