Erectile Dysfunction (ED) with the birth control pill
Many women of reproductive age take a combined or progestogen-only oral contraceptive while also using a chronic medication such as Erectile Dysfunction (ED) (Erectile Dysfunction (ED)). The combination is generally fine at 20mg, 100mg, 10mcg, 20mcg, 40mcg, but a small number of medications can reduce contraceptive efficacy meaningfully and need either a backup method or a switch.
How Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can affect contraceptive efficacy
Combined and progestogen-only contraceptives are metabolised through CYP3A4. Strong CYP3A4 inducers (some antiepileptics, rifampicin, St John's Wort) lower contraceptive plasma levels and reduce efficacy. Whether Alprostadil, Avanafil, Dapoxetine, Sildenafil Citrate, Tadalafil, Vardenafil acts on CYP3A4 determines whether Erectile Dysfunction (ED) affects contraception. Most agents in Erectile Dysfunction (ED) have no clinically meaningful effect on the pill at 20mg, 100mg, 10mcg, 20mcg, 40mcg.
Practical guidance
According to the prescribing information for Alprostadil, Avanafil, Dapoxetine, Sildenafil Citrate, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, women on hormonal contraception should review Erectile Dysfunction (ED) with the prescribing pharmacist or doctor. Where an interaction is documented, additional barrier contraception or switching to a non-oral method (IUD, implant) for the duration of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) therapy is the standard mitigation.
Frequently asked questions
Will Erectile Dysfunction (ED) make my pill less effective? ▾
Most Erectile Dysfunction (ED) medications at 20mg, 100mg, 10mcg, 20mcg, 40mcg do not affect oral contraceptive efficacy. The exceptions are CYP3A4-inducing drugs and a small number of others. The prescribing information for Alprostadil, Avanafil, Dapoxetine, Sildenafil Citrate, Tadalafil, Vardenafil states whether the interaction is meaningful.
Do I need a backup contraceptive on Erectile Dysfunction (ED)? ▾
Backup contraception is needed only when there is a documented interaction between Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and the contraceptive method. For most users at 20mg, 100mg, 10mcg, 20mcg, 40mcg, no backup is required. The pharmacist confirms whether Alprostadil, Avanafil, Dapoxetine, Sildenafil Citrate, Tadalafil, Vardenafil interacts with hormonal contraception.
Medications in Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
More on Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
- With alcoholErectile Dysfunction (ED) and alcohol — is it safe to drink?
- With foodShould Erectile Dysfunction (ED) be taken with food?
- Side effectsErectile Dysfunction (ED) side effects: common, rare and warning signs
- For older adultsErectile Dysfunction (ED) after 60: doses and safety in older adults
- For womenErectile Dysfunction (ED) for women: indications and considerations
- For menErectile Dysfunction (ED) for men: indications and considerations
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.