Which statement about antibiotics and birth control pills is correct?

• A. Increased effectiveness
• B. No effect
• C. Unknown
• D. Decreased effectiveness

Answer: (D)

Antibiotics can alter how birth control pills work by changing hormone levels in the body. Some antibiotics, especially enzyme-inducing ones like rifampin, boost the breakdown of estrogen and progestin in the liver, which lowers pill levels and can reduce contraceptive effectiveness. While many commonly used antibiotics do not have a meaningful interaction, the possibility exists, and the correct choice reflects that decreased effectiveness can occur with some antibiotics. In practice, this means using a backup method of contraception during antibiotic therapy if there is any concern, and resuming normal OC use after finishing the course.