Do Antibiotics Affect IUD: Assessing the Risk
Antibiotics are an effective treatment for several bacterial infections but can interact with oral contraceptives.
Due to this, concerns regarding the safety and efficiency of birth control, like IUDs, along with the use of antibiotics, arise.
According to a 2018 study, adult women use twice as many antibiotics as men.
If antibiotics interact with IUD, the substantial risk can be too high for these women.
This article focuses on answering the question “Do antibiotics affect IUD” by busting the myths regarding the use of antibiotics and IUDs simultaneously.
Does antibiotics interfere with IUD
It became a common notion that taking antibiotics with Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) affects the efficiency of birth control.
So, are the claims true?
The simple answer is no. Antibiotics do not affect IUDs.
There is no evidence to support the claims that IUD and antibiotics together can have side effects or reduced efficiency.
Not only this, the majority of antibiotics do not affect any type of birth control.
Only Rifampicin-like antibiotics, which include Rifampicin and Rifabutin, can interact with some of the hormonal contraceptives.
They increase the number of enzymes in the body, which can affect or reduce the efficiency of pregnancy prevention.
However, only the efficiency of hormonal contraceptives like pills, implants, patches, and vaginal rings is affected.
IUDs are not affected by Rifampicin-like antibiotics.
Besides, other antibiotics can affect birth control, like pills, if they cause diarrhea or vomiting, which lasts for 2 days or more.
These may affect how the pill is being absorbed and hence its efficiency.
If you vomit within 2-3 hours of taking the pill, then too its absorption can be affected.
Can antibiotics and IUDs be used together
Most women may feel reluctant to take antibiotics when using an IUD as a contraceptive due to myths and misinformation.
As per current studies, antibiotics and IUDs can be used together, as no cases of reduced efficiency have been reported.
To ensure safety, consult a doctor before using any antibiotic, discuss your medical history, and avoid self-treatment.
Use of antibiotics before IUD insertion
It is a myth that antibiotics and IUDs have a negative impact when used together.
Practically, they can be beneficial instead.
Many times, antibiotics are used to prevent infections before IUD insertion or treat them if they occur after insertion.
According to a study by David A Grimes, the use of Prophylactic antibiotics (antibiotics to prevent infections) can lower the risk of upper genital tract infection during IUD insertion.
It can mitigate the risk by lowering the effect of bacteria to which the uterus is exposed at the time of insertion.
The outcomes of the study also suggested that a dose of 200 mg of Doxycycline or 500 mg of Azithromycin 500 mg by mouth before IUD insertion had some benefit in preventing infection.
Moreover, the number of unscheduled visits to the medical care provider was also significantly reduced.
These may otherwise be high if discomfort, pain, or infection occurs due to bacterial exposure in case of no antibiotic use.
Conclusion
Antibiotics do not affect Intrauterine Devices and can be used simultaneously.
Most antibiotics do not even affect other forms of birth control.
For now, evidence suggests that only Rifampicin-like antibiotics can affect hormonal birth control methods like pills, patches, implants, or vaginal rings.
This antibiotic does not affect IUDs.
Another possible way an antibiotic affects birth control, like the pill, is by causing diarrhea or vomiting.
Sometimes, antibiotics like Doxycycline and Azithromycin can prove beneficial in preventing infections before IUD insertion.
To minimize the risk, avoid self-treatment and always consult a doctor before taking any antibiotic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an IUD put in while taking antibiotics?
Antibiotics do not have any impact on Intrauterine Devices. So far, no evidence has confirmed any side effects. Still, it is advised to inform your doctor about any medicine you are taking before getting an IUD fitted to ensure safety.
Do antibiotics affect the function of an IUD?
No, antibiotics do not affect the function of an IUD. Evidence is available suggesting that Rifampicin-like antibiotics can affect hormonal birth control like pills, patches, or vaginal rings. However, these impacts have not been noted with IUDs so far.
Which antibiotics can affect birth control?
Not all antibiotics affect birth control. Only Rifampicin-like antibiotics can affect a few hormonal birth control methods. These include pill, patch, vaginal ring, and implant. Intrauterine devices and Progestin-only injections are not affected by the use of Rifampicin-like antibiotics.
Are there any IUD infection treatment antibiotics?
A few antibiotics can be used to minimize the risk of infections before inserting an IUD. A study found 200 mg Doxycycline and 500 mg Azithromycin by oral route effective to some extent in reducing the risk of infections. It also reduced the visits to a medical care provider significantly.
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