Switching Birth Control Pills

[marieeee1]

Hi!

I recently switched brands of the combination birth control pill. Before switching, I read the packet for my new pills which said to complete my old pack (including the placebo pills) and then start the new pack after my last reminder pill without taking any breaks between packs. It said nothing about using backup protection so I was just wondering: was I protected from pregnancy immediately based on how I switched pills?

[Heather]

Hey there.

So long as you didn't take any more than that 7-day placebo break between packs, and continue to take the new pills as directed each day, nope, you don't need to do that, because your protection won't have been interrupted.

Any other questions about using your pills, or anything else while you're here?

[marieeee1]

Got it, thank you so much!

I actually do have another quick question: I was taking antibiotics for a UTI while also taking my birth control pills. I did not have sex while on these antibiotics, but just for future reference, I was wondering if they would affect the effectiveness of my pills? I took Bactrim and Cipro.

[Heather]

Sure thing! Nope, they won't have. That class of antibiotics isn't associated with any impact on oral contraceptives, period, but it also turns out that most of the time, antibiotics and oral contraceptives aren't something to worry about no matter how you slice it or what kind you're taking.

There are a couple exceptions to this, and some subtle nuances, though. That's explained well in more detail here: https://www.scarleteen.com/article/bodi ... th_control

Something to know, though, is that using condoms can both help prevent UTIs AND is a good backup, just as something to consider, especially if you're getting UTIs often. Another thing to know, since you're using the pill, is that part of the way the pill works makes the vagina drier by design, so if you're not using extra lubricant with sex (both with and without condoms), that can also be something that makes UTIs more likely, as drier genital tissue is less resilient and the connection of the vulva and vagina to the bladder is such that dryness can increase your likelihood of urinary tract and bladder infections.