Birth control and cipro effects

Dear Ask The Doctor: Dear Doctor, The thing is I have been off cipro for 5 days and as of today recently engaged in coitus so do I have to worry about the cipro decreasing the effectiveness of my birth control? Also my boy friend wore a condom and I would hope that would make a difference. What do you think? Sincerely, Kristen

Dear Kristen: If you are taking oral contraceptive pills as a method of birth control then there is a chance of decreased efficacy when used with antibiotics which metabolise throught the liver like cipro. However since you did take extra precuation and used a second method of contraception ie the condom you should be safe. However it is important to remember that no method of contraception is 100% effective and thus there is always a chance of pregnancy to occur.All the best.