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Birth Control/IUD and antibiotics

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Expert: Bob Kambic - 7/19/2007


Question
I had the Mirena inserted about a year and a half ago. I am married with 3 toddlers ages 2, 3 and 4.  I was recently diagnosed with Lyme disease and was put on doxycycline. I'm suppose to be on them for at least a month and i've been taking them for about 2 wks. and sexually active. I've heard about antibiotics making birth control not work.  Is it the same way with Mirena?  And I don't have my period, how would I know if I was?  I don't need anymore children!  lol But can't find ANY information on it.  Please help.
Thanx


Answer
Some antibiotics reduce the effectivenes of some contraceptive pills. The Mirena acts like an IUD and pill combined so that the effectiveness of the pill part might be reduced. But the IUD is still there.

There are options for you to further reduce your likelihood of pregnancy, barriers and abstinence.

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Bob Kambic

Expertise

Natural Family Planning, Periodic Abstinence, Rhythm, Catholic Church Method of Family Planning, Withdrawal, Condoms, Abstinence, Breast Feeding.

Experience

On the faculty of Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health for 22 years.

Publications
AJOBGYN, AJPH, Fertility and Sterility, Advances in Contraception, International Family Planning Perspectives, America, etc.

Education/Credentials
Duquesne University BA, University of Pittsburgh MSH, Johns Hopkins all but dissertation for PhD (ABD). Over 50 peer review articles on these topics, advisor to Planned Parenthood and to Vatican.

Past/Present Clients
Planned Parenthood, Family Planning Clinics, Womens' Reproductive Health Clinics, The Vatican, US Conference of Catholic Bishops, WHO, USAID, programs in Asia, Africa, Europe, South America, and the USA.

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