# antibiotics, sex, and the pill

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antibiotics-sex-and-the-pill/370352>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [August 26, 2006, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antibiotics-sex-and-the-pill/370352 "2006-08-26T20:14:10Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![parrot\_recipes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/439d5e/32.png) [@parrot\_recipes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/parrot_recipes)\
**Post date:** [August 26, 2006, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antibiotics-sex-and-the-pill/370352/1 "2006-08-26T20:14:10Z")

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This is not a medical question. it is, somewhat, but I want ODDS. Today I began some antibiotics. I take them for 7 days. My very first one was this morn at 11 a.m.  
I had sex at noonish. We used condoms, for sure. The odds are okay that I will be fine I am hoping, since I had just taken the antibiotic and am on the birth control pill. I know antibiotics affect the potency of the pill, which is why we used a condom.  
So I pretty much have nothign to worry about, yes?

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**Author:** ![dangermom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e274bd/32.png) [@dangermom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dangermom)\
**Post date:** [August 26, 2006, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antibiotics-sex-and-the-pill/370352/2 "2006-08-26T20:31:53Z")

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Condoms should do the job, yes. Not all antibiotics affect the Pill; you can call your pharmacist and ask about it.

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**Author:** ![twhitt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/87869e/32.png) [@twhitt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twhitt)\
**Post date:** [August 26, 2006, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antibiotics-sex-and-the-pill/370352/3 "2006-08-26T20:32:59Z")

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Pretty much. When used properly, condoms are between 95 and 98% effective in preventing pregnancy; this means that only about 3 women in 100 will become pregnant each year if their partner uses male condoms. [Cite.](http://www.14-condoms.co.uk/condom-resources/condom-faqs.html#What%20is%20the%20rate%20of%20becoming%20pregnant%20when%20using%20condoms) You’re quite unlikely to become pregnant.

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**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\
**Post date:** [August 26, 2006, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antibiotics-sex-and-the-pill/370352/4 "2006-08-26T21:41:28Z")

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One thing about antibiotics and sex…some women get yeast infections from taking antibiotics. I’m not saying YOU will, but it’s something to be aware of.

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**Author:** ![xash](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/c6cbf5/32.png) [@xash](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xash)\
**Post date:** [August 26, 2006, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antibiotics-sex-and-the-pill/370352/5 "2006-08-26T21:49:44Z")

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Please contact a qualified medical professional for medical advice.

This is closed.

- **xash**  
General Questions Moderator