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Birth Control

Can Antibiotics Mess Up Your Birth Control? An OB-GYN Explains

In this video, OB-GYN Kecia Gaither, MD, explains whether antibiotics affect the efficacy of birth control options.

Lauren Smith, MAMera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Written by Lauren Smith, MA | Reviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Updated on February 5, 2025
Featuring Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, MS, MBA, FACOGReviewed by Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP | February 5, 2025

In this video, learn if you should be concerned about the effectiveness of your oral contraceptive while taking an antibiotic, according to OB-GYN Kecia Gaither, MD.

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Lauren Smith, MA
Written by:
Lauren Smith, MA
Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.
Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Reviewed by:
Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP
Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to practicing medicine, she worked as a management consultant.
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