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probiotics and birth control

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 12/16/2005 10:52 AM (GMT -8)
Do probiotics affect the effectivness of birth control pills?  That sounds stupid by I know antibiotics can.  I should have asked my doctor this last time but I forgot.  Thanks for any input!
Posted 12/16/2005 10:56 AM (GMT -8)
Thats a good question sophie. I hope someone can come and give an answer on that... if you don't get an answer here and you find out somewhere else, would you let us know? Thanks :)
Posted 12/16/2005 11:57 AM (GMT -8)
I hadn't heard that antibiotics affects birth control. In what way? Just the pill or injectibles as well?
Posted 12/16/2005 12:00 PM (GMT -8)
Keri,
Antibiotics can decrease the effectiveness of birth control. Most of them should not affect the effectiveness however they usually err or the side of caution.  It will usually say on the drug info sheet to use a back up method of birth control while on antibiotics.
Posted 12/16/2005 12:06 PM (GMT -8)
http://www.drugstore.com/qxa1091_333181_sespider-do_antibiotics_interact_with_birth_control_pills.htm
Posted 12/16/2005 12:10 PM (GMT -8)
OK, so I did a little research... I found a site that talks about why we need probiotics. It states that birth control pills (among other things) can disrupt the flora in our digestive systems. Hence, probiotics are good to take. I assume if probiotics are good to take while on birth control then they wouldn't have any affect on the "control" part. Here is the website:
http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-diet/probiotics.htm

Posted 12/16/2005 12:14 PM (GMT -8)
By the way, I stopped taking the pill a few weeks ago in hopes it had a contribution to my IBS. I will let you all know if I get any better.
Posted 12/16/2005 2:37 PM (GMT -8)
Hmm, only talks about the pill, and I'm on a shot. Unlike the pill, I don't ovulate at all, so I doubt it would affect me. After you've been on Depro for a year or more (just over 2 now for me), it actually takes a while to wear off so that you can get pregnant if you're trying. So I ought to be good. Besides, last time I was on antibiotics, I was sick as a dog with strep and Stuart was getting ready to leave for India so there was NOTHING going on, lol.

I'll soon have it all settled anyways; I'm going to schedule to get my tubes tied after the first of the year.
Posted 12/16/2005 6:40 PM (GMT -8)
Antibiotics kill off everything, good and bad bacteria, and yes, they do interfere with the BC pill reducing their effectiveness.

Probiotics only contribute to balancing the flora, they do not "kill" like antibiotics do, they simply restore the natural balance of bacteria.

If you take the BC pill, then taking a probiotic is a must, because the BC pill contributes to bacterial over-growth which has a negative effect on those with senstive bowels, including both IBD and IBS.
Posted 12/18/2005 4:23 PM (GMT -8)
7Lil!

Please let me know what happens to your IBS with you going off the BC! Me and my hubby discussed this and we both think I should go off the pill to control the IBS but the doctor says NO!!! I don't cycle on my own at all (which I think is AWESOME!!!) but she says I will get cervical cancer. I think she's just jealous and trying to make me cycle like the rest of the normal world so I can experience all the pain and suffering like everyone else!!! LOL!!! So, she gave me a lower dosage of BC. She switched me from Loestrin to Alesse.....ever heard of it??? I will be starting it next sunday. Today is my first day on my cycle and it's killing me!!! I do NOT want to continue to do this every single month!!!

Good Luck and let me know if you get better!
Michelle :)
Posted 12/18/2005 8:12 PM (GMT -8)
Hey Michelle,
I have been off BC for 3 weeks now and I haven't had an IBS-D attack... yet. The 1st day I had the flu I had some D but I think that was linked to being sick. I'm still kinda gassy and sometimes bloated but I haven't had much pain and D. I'm still wondering, could it really have been the BC? I will definitely keep you posted. BTW - In the meantime I am still taking Digestive Advantage, Zelnorm and probiotics.
No, I have never heard of Alesse (nor have I heard of Loestrin). Please let us know how it works for you when you start it next week.  What about that Orthotricyclin (sp?) low hormone?
Is it really true that not having a cycle can cause cervical cancer? If that is true, Michelle, you should stay on the pill. My sister doesn't get her period because she has a pituitary tumor, but her doctors haven't mentioned getting cancer from this. I will have to bring this question up to her.
Posted 12/19/2005 8:32 AM (GMT -8)
I've never heard of a link between not having a period and getting cervical cancer. Is it because you don't have a proper hormone level? I'm on Depo Provera and it keeps me from having a period on purpose. I love it! If I didn't have a period normally, I certainly wouldn't take medicine to TRY and have one. If that's normal for you, and you don't suffer from problems relating to low hormones, then why would normal for you cause you to get an abnormal growth? I think I would get a second opinion if I were you.
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