Birth Control Pill & Bladder Infections

Bladder infections can be a side effect to some birth-control methods. According to the Net Wellness Web site, taking the birth control pill should not cause a bladder infection. However, medication taken to treat a bladder infection can effect the effectiveness of the birth-control pill.

Birth-Control Pill

The birth-control pill is an oral contraceptive that helps prevent pregnancy, but not sexually transmitted diseases.

Bladder infection

According to the Web MD site, bladder infection is the result of an inflammation or cystitis of the bladder. Infections are caused mostly by a strain of E. coli, which is a bacteria found living in your guts. They are more commonly found in women than men.

Types

Despite the birth-control pill having no connection with causing bladder infections, there are other birth control methods that can increase the risk of bladder infections. These include contraceptive foams, vaginal suppositories that can irritate your urethra, non-lubricated condoms or a diaphragm that is too tight.

Considerations

Females can get bladder infections after sex because vaginal intercourse can make it easier for bacteria to go through the urethra to reach the bladder.

Warning

The antibiotics prescribed for the infection can reduce some birth-control pill's effectiveness.

References

• Plymouth State University: Bladder Infection
• Web MD: Bladder infections
• Net Wellness: Birth Control and Bladder Infections