The majority of studies indicate antibiotics do interfere with contraceptive pills, such as clinical studies that suggest the failure rate of contraceptive pills caused by antibiotics is very low (about 1%). In cases where antibacterials have been suggested to affect the efficiency of birth control pills, such as for the broad-spectrum antibacterial rifampicin, these cases may be due to an increase in the activities of hepatic liver enzymes' causing increased breakdown of the pill's active ingredients. Effects on the intestinal flora, which might result in reduced absorption of estrogens in the colon, have also been suggested, but such suggestions have been inconclusive and controversial. Clinicians have recommended that extra contraceptive measures be applied during therapies using antibacterials that are suspected to interact with oral contraceptives. COUNT 12
QSN1 Do antibiotics interact with birth control pills? ANS1 The majority of studies indicate antibiotics do interfere with contraceptive pills QSN2 What percentage of birth control pill failure is attributed to antibiotics? ANS2 about 1% QSN3 What are the potential effects on intestinal flora? ANS3 reduced absorption of estrogens in the colon QSN4 Have these potential effects been proven through testing? ANS4 inconclusive and controversial QSN5 What do physicians recommend to counteract this potential issue? ANS5 extra contraceptive measures QSN6 What do antibiotics interfere with? ANS6 contraceptive pills QSN7 What percent is the  failure rate of contraceptive pills? ANS7 about 1% QSN8 Whhat does intestinal flora reduce? ANS8 absorption of estrogens QSN9 In therapy, what does the antibacterial interact with? ANS9 oral contraceptives QSN10 Do antibiotics mess with birth control pills? ANS10 antibiotics do interfere QSN11 What should women do if they are using antibiotics and birth control pills? ANS11 extra contraceptive measures QSN12 What is birth control failure rate due to antibiotics? ANS12 about 1%