Does Bc Pill + Antibiotic = Break-through Bleeding?

Updated on June 29, 2011
J.F. asks from Bloomington, IN
5 answers

I've already called my doctor and was told that the antibiotic might cause the break-through bleeding, but they were unsure. I thought I'd ask you all if you have experienced this.

No worries. I've had my tubes tied. I'm on the pill just for the hormones to make life livable with my periods.

I'm trying to decide if this is one of my "regular" periods trying to happen even though I'm on the pill or if the antibiotic is doing it. Today is the last day of the antibiotic, but I've been bleeding since I took the first pill (10 days). The bleeding is getting worse and am now having cramping. I'm hoping it will end in a couple of days after I'm off the antibiotics.

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So What Happened?

It has now been a month and I'm still bleeding. The doctor had me take 4 pills (I was a little hormonal the next day!), 3 , 2, and then 1 pill each day. I got to 2 and I was still bleeeding. I've been taking 2-3 a day now for a week. I might have to have a d&c done. Really wishing I had a hysterectomy in May instead of trying the pill. Now we are moving and I can't get it done because of recoup time and am moving out of state in 2 weeks. Will hopefully find a new doctor when I get there and get it scheduled.
Was just curious if this happened to anyone else. I'm 37.

More Answers

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K.P.

answers from New York on

Yes. I actually asked this question to both my OBGYN and pharmacist. Apparently the antibiotics "break down" the BCP faster than your regular stomach acids meaning that the hormones are metabolized faster... meaning your body experiences the "crash" the initiates your period.

This also happens to me if I forget to take my BCP twice in the same month. I freak out about it and call the doctor and get the same answer every time!

However... you may want to go see your doctor b/c it's getting "worse" not lighter and it's lasting longer than the chemically-induced 5 days.

1 mom found this helpful

J.F.

answers from Philadelphia on

i think if its going on for 10 days thats not breakthrough bleeding..call your doc..could you be starting early menopause? i'm not sure how old u are but some people start early

1 mom found this helpful
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S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

There have been several recent studies that have shown that the vast majority of antibiotics have no effect on BC pills. There is one rarely used antibiotic that does.

From the Mayo Clinic site: Can antibiotics decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills?
The effects of antibiotics on birth control pills may be overstated — except in the case of one antibiotic, rifampin (Rimactane). Studies clearly show that rifampin decreases the effectiveness of birth control pills in preventing ovulation. However, rifampin isn't used widely today.

1 mom found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

bc pill + antibiotic = pregnancy

Be careful!

R.A.

answers from Providence on

i only got breakthrough bleeding when I missed two days of my birth control pills. It last for a good 12 days, and then I got my period. I have been regular ever since. Not sure about a antibiotic, however it does lesson the effectivity of birth control, so it is possible.

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