There is a widespread belief that antibiotics reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraception, but research has found no evidence to support this claim. There is no indication of drug interactions between hormonal contraceptives and antibiotics, except in the case of Rifamycin.1 Rifamycin: The Antibiotic Proven to Reduce Oral Contraceptive Effectiveness Rifamycin (other brand names include Rifampicin, Rifampin, Rimactane, Rifadin, Rifamate)…
Category: Hormonal Methods
Combination Pills
Combination pills, also called “combo pills,” or simply “the pill,” are a form of oral hormonal birth control which contain the hormones estrogen and progestin.1 Combination pills are commonly used as a method of preventing pregnancy, but can also be used for their non-contraceptive benefits such as improving acne, decreasing menstrual cramps or other premenstrual…
Birth Control Pill Overview
Birth control pills are one of the most effective contraceptive methods for preventing pregnancy. Commonly referred to as “The Pill,” this type of birth control comes in a variety of forms and can be taken in a variety of different ways depending on the method that works best for the individual. There are two main types of…
Progestin-Only Pills
The progestin-only pill, also known as the “mini-pill,” is a type of oral contraceptive or oral birth control pill. The pill contains the hormone progestin and, unlike the combination pill, does not contain estrogen. Due to the lack of estrogen, many users report feeling fewer or no side effects compared to other oral contraceptives. One…
The Birth Control Shot
The birth control shot, most commonly known as Depo-Provera® or DMPA, is an injection of the progestin hormone.1 This hormone is injected into the arm or buttocks every three months in order to prevent ovulation and thicken cervical mucus, making it more difficult for sperm to pass through the cervix.1 Since the birth control shot…
The Birth Control Implant
The birth control implant, available in over 100 countries, is a highly effective form of hormonal birth control that many people find to be a convenient method of preventing pregnancy. The implant is inserted into the arm and can be kept for up to five years.1 Using a synthetic version of the hormone progestin rather…
Hormonal Contraceptive Methods
Hormones are chemical messengers found in the body. In the reproductive systems of people with vulvas, they regulate everything from libido to the menstrual cycle. In addition, synthetic hormones can be administered to people with vulvas who have natural hormonal imbalances, though they are primarily used as a form of contraception, or birth control.1 Hormones…
Amethyst (Formerly Lybrel)
Amethyst and Lybrel are brands of birth control pills designed to prevent ovulation and pregnancy. They are the first continuous-cycle birth control pills ever manufactured. This type of birth control pill is taken everyday without any break periods for an entire year. This seemingly minor change comes with the added effect of suppressing menstruation for…
The Contraceptive Patch
What Is the Contraceptive Patch? The contraceptive patch (also known as birth control patch) is a waterproof, thin, beige, plastic patch that is applied to the skin to prevent pregnancy.1 The patch can be worn on the lower abdomen, buttocks, or upper body.2 A new patch is placed on the skin once a week for…