What to do if one misses oral contraceptives post infection?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 20-year-old female (height is 5 feet 5 inches, and weight is 53 kg). I took my first-ever birth control injection a few months back. As a result, I had excessive bleeding during my periods. My periods last seven days, and then I would have a three to five-day break, and it would return. This continued until three months. I took a two-month injection and never went back for my second shot. Instead, I took birth control pills to get my period back to normal. I took those for about two weeks, and my period seemed to be getting back on track, but recently I got a rotavirus infection and fell ill, so I did not take the pill for about three days. Now my period is back. I still have many pills left from the pack I started, but instead of continuing with the pack, I started a new one today. Should I continue with the new one? My main concern is whether my period will be excessive again. I want my cycle to go back to normal. I am currently taking antibiotics for my current illness.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

You are already taking treatment for other problems. Taking birth control pills with these medications is like bombarding the body with chemicals. Oral contraceptives may have side effects on the body, and the best way to have normal cycles is to have them how your body handles them and not how you want to have them. Birth control injection has already disrupted your menstrual cycle. So, let the body regain its internal clock. It is better to avoid sexual contact during rotavirus infection. If you are keen to have sexual contact, it will be better to use a barrier method of contraception like condoms, spermicidal jellies, or vaginal contraceptives, which are much safer.

Thank you.