Break week period not normal

[PurpleRabbit99]

Hi, normally my break week bleed on the Rigevidon is normal and tends to fill pads, however this time round my bleed has been alot lighter and not even touched the pads only coming out on toilet roll. I take my pill at 6am everyday and am now coming to the end of my period. I have been really unwell with tonsillitis and a dose of cold so been on antibiotics. Was wondering if anyone could provide advise?

[Hidden]

Dear PurpleRabbit,

Only certain antibiotics like one for treating TB (e.g. rifampicin) can significantly affect hormonal contraception but most broad-spectrum antibiotics don't. My advice would be to start the new pack on time, after your week's break. I wouldn't read too much into your withdrawal bleed being lighter.

Here's the official word on oral contraceptives and antibiotics:

"The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has issued updated guidance stating that ‘additional precautions' are no longer necessary, as the latest evidence suggests antibiotics do not reduce the effectiveness of the pill - provided that women are taking the antibiotics for less than three weeks.

The updated recommendations were prompted by an examination of research evidence on drug interactions with hormonal contraception, published last month, which brings the UK recommendations in line with those issued last year by both the World Health Organization.

The guidance, produced by the clinical effectiveness unit of the College's Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, states: ‘Overall, the evidence does not support reduced combined oral contraception efficacy with non-enzyme-inducing antibiotics. Additional contraceptive precautions are not required during or after courses of antibiotics that do not induce enzymes."

Rgds,

Adhari

[PurpleRabbit99 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you very much!