Yasmin and antibiotics

[freakin-lj.livejournal.com]

Hey all,

I'm on Yasmin right now--currently on my 8th day, having restarted after a period without them--but found out that I need to take antibiotics for a throat problem. I'll be taking Zithromax. Now, the only information I've been able to find on antibiotic + bcp effects are along the lines of "there may be interactions," "possible decreased efficacy," and "_____ effects for antibiotics like x, y, z, and others." Clearly all of this is pretty vague. Does anyone know (and preferably have some literature to calm my nerves) how antibiotics and bcps interact? Do I need to wait any period of time after I take my antibiotics to be sure that I'm protected? Just until the antibiotics are over, for example, or another 7 days to be protected? Or will I be protected all along?

Also, I know this is stupid stupid stupid, but I'd love it if you could humor me. I'll keep it short: on day 5 of my Yasmin (so yeah, I suppose I wasn't protected), I gave my fwb head. While cleaning up, he got come on his hand, but wiped it off. Later that night, he fingered me. I'm a paranoid person in general so I'm terrified that somehow I'm pregnant. That's basically totally unlikely, right? (Thanks for humoring me... I figured that the legit question above would take away some of the n00b-idity of this one :) )

Thanks all!

Comments

[kkgal42.livejournal.com]

I've always heard to use a back-up method of protection until the antibiotics are done and then another 7 days afterwards. This article: http://health.ivillage.com/gyno/gynobc/0,,5l0c,00.html

says that it is unlikely for most antibiotics to have an effect, but if I were taking them I would still use back-up, just to be on the safe side. The article also has some interesting info about how medications interfere with HBC.

It's pretty impossible that you could've gotten pregnant from the fingering, as sperm do not live long once exposed to air, and since he wiped the semen off. No need to worry :).

[frolicnaked.livejournal.com]

I've always heard to use a back-up method of protection until the antibiotics are done and then another 7 days afterwards.

Yup! This is also what this section (http://www.vaginapagina.com/index.php?title=Hormonal_Birth_Control#When_do_I_need_back-up_protection.3F) of the Vulvapedia recommends. :)

[askdrtroy.livejournal.com]

'Noob-idity', I like that term! I agree with the above. There are a few antibiotics that specifically interfere (like rifampin) but just to be sure I would use back-up when taking any antibiotics. It is always best to ere on the side of caution.

Sperm can live in your body for 4-5 days, but once they dried out they would be dead