Women's Sexual Health 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 Women's Sexual Health (Women's Sexual Health). The combination is generally fine at 100mg, 5mg, 20mg, 2.5mg, 10mg, but a small number of medications can reduce contraceptive efficacy meaningfully and need either a backup method or a switch.
How Women's Sexual Health 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 Drospirenone, Ethinyl Estradiol, Flibanserin, Medroxyprogesterone, Norethindrone, Sildenafil Citrate, Tadalafil acts on CYP3A4 determines whether Women's Sexual Health affects contraception. Most agents in Women's Sexual Health have no clinically meaningful effect on the pill at 100mg, 5mg, 20mg, 2.5mg, 10mg.
Practical guidance
According to the prescribing information for Drospirenone, Ethinyl Estradiol, Flibanserin, Medroxyprogesterone, Norethindrone, Sildenafil Citrate, Tadalafil, women on hormonal contraception should review Women's Sexual Health 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 Women's Sexual Health therapy is the standard mitigation.
Frequently asked questions
Will Women's Sexual Health make my pill less effective? ▾
Most Women's Sexual Health medications at 100mg, 5mg, 20mg, 2.5mg, 10mg do not affect oral contraceptive efficacy. The exceptions are CYP3A4-inducing drugs and a small number of others. The prescribing information for Drospirenone, Ethinyl Estradiol, Flibanserin, Medroxyprogesterone, Norethindrone, Sildenafil Citrate, Tadalafil states whether the interaction is meaningful.
Do I need a backup contraceptive on Women's Sexual Health? ▾
Backup contraception is needed only when there is a documented interaction between Women's Sexual Health and the contraceptive method. For most users at 100mg, 5mg, 20mg, 2.5mg, 10mg, no backup is required. The pharmacist confirms whether Drospirenone, Ethinyl Estradiol, Flibanserin, Medroxyprogesterone, Norethindrone, Sildenafil Citrate, Tadalafil interacts with hormonal contraception.
Medications in Women's Sexual Health
More on Women's Sexual Health
- With alcoholWomen's Sexual Health and alcohol — is it safe to drink?
- With foodShould Women's Sexual Health be taken with food?
- Side effectsWomen's Sexual Health side effects: common, rare and warning signs
- For older adultsWomen's Sexual Health after 60: doses and safety in older adults
- For womenWomen's Sexual Health for women: indications and considerations
- For menWomen's Sexual Health 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.