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Birth Control/Bladder Infection

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Expert: Ramona Quilter - 4/12/2007


Question
I went to the doctors and was prescribed nitrofurantoin monohydrate for a bladder infection to take for seven days. My friend who had a bladder infection a while back told me that with the birth control I am using (try-cyclen), that even though i am still taking birth control, it becomes "inactive". Is this true?

Answer
True.  Antibiotics render birth control ineffective and you must use a back-up protection or abstinence if you are concerned about getting pregnant.  This would be the case until you start the next pack as long as you are finished with the antibiotic.  But anytime you take an antibiotic you must use protection in addition to the pill.  Don't stop taking it just because you are taking the antibiotic or you will have other problems to deal with.

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Ramona Quilter

Expertise

Natural Family Planning is a risk-free, safe, and economical alternative to chemical and barrier contraceptives. NFP is easy to understand, aids in fertility awareness for spacing children as well as increasing communication and assisting couples to concieve. I do not answer questions about other forms of birth control.

Experience

I have personal experience with all birth control methods, I practiced NFP throughout my child-bearing years and I am a paralegal with great research skills. I am totally convinced this is a viable alternative and I can back-up my statements with research.

Organizations
National Association of Legal Professionals, (NALS). Couple to Couple League (www.ccli.org - national organization for NFP)

Education/Credentials
Medical Assisting diploma, Bachelor of Arts, Associate of Applied Science in Legal Studies.

Awards and Honors
College graduate with high honors; high school graduate with highest honors;

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