My Boyfriend And I Have Been Using Condoms Since My Start Of The Medication Just To Be Safe But My Anxiety Is Still Getting The Best Of Me

Posted on Wed, 21 Oct 2020

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 Answered on

Wed, 28 May 2025 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi! So I have been on birth control for 4 years and take it faithfully at the same time every day. About a week ago I finished Macrobid for a UTI. I've been told it effects Birth Control and been told that it doesnt. My boyfriend and I have been using condoms since my start of the medication just to be safe but my anxiety is still getting the best of me.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It decreases the efficacy of the pills.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing to us.

Taking Macrobid can enhance the metabolism of birth control pills thus reducing their efficacy. But since your boyfriend is using condoms, there is nothing to worry about.

Using this extra protection will help in avoiding pregnancy. You can continue with condoms as extra protection until the end of this cycle to be very safe.

Hope this answers your query.
Any follow up queries are always welcome.

Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee