Originally published in 2020, updated in June 2024

We've said it before - taking a course of antibiotics means supplementing with probiotics to help replenish the good microflora that gets wiped out by the medication. But have you ever considered the need to take a probiotic to support taking a long-term, prescribed medication, such as oral birth control pill?

A hormonal birth control pill can be considered helpful in many ways. It is not only an extremely effective tool for preventing pregnancy but is also often prescribed to help alleviate many symptoms such as acne, painful menstruation and endometriosis. If you’re one of the many women who takes an oral contraceptive pill daily, you have your reasons. And, if it’s working for you, you already understand how this simple step each day can positively support the needs of your body.  But did you know you should also consider discussing about probiotic supplmentation with your health care professional when you are taking oral birth control?

How the pill can impact your microflora

1. General change to the makeup of your microbiome

The pill has been shown to have the ability to alter our microbiome and impact gut flora in negative ways. 

Our gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that may help support different functions of the human body in some way. Environmental factors also influence these microorganisms. The stress in our lives, the food we eat, and the medicine we take - including oral contraceptives - can all alter the state of our microbiomes.^1,2

2. Dysbiosis

We refer to an altered state of gut flora as dysbiosis. Some of the main issues associated with it are:

• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Mental fog
• Constipation
• Acne
• Indigestion
• Acid reflux³

Do you feel like you’re frequently experiencing bloating or gas and despite taking efforts, you just can’t seem to get it under control? While gas and bloating are not side effects of taking birth control, it could be a sign that your daily pill is throwing your gut out of whack. Gas and bloating as well as constipation, diarrhea or irritable bowel syndrome (often a catch-all diagnosis for gut discomfort), acne and more could all be signs of dysbiosis, a microbial imbalance in the digestive tract.

3. Increased risk for GI Inflammation

An imbalance of microflora in the gut can result in inflammation of the GI system and lead to a number of health complications. The inflammation is typically referred to as Inflammatory Bowel Disease, or IBD, and is an umbrella term used to describe disorders that involve chronic gut inflammation. The cause of IBD is not completely known but it’s believed a compromised immune system can attribute. Ensuring you have balanced microbiota in your gut also is a way to help fight off and control inflammation.

One disorder that is classified under IBD is Crohn’s disease. Recent studies have shown a link between Crohn’s ‘flare-up’s’ and taking oral birth control. Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the bowel and is characterized by microbial dysbiosis.⁴ It’s important to understand that Crohn’s is not caused by taking the pill or by microflora imbalance but more significant flare ups happen with imbalanced microflora. Recent studies are showing that for some women who have been on the pill for five or more years and have a genetic predisposition to Crohn’s, the GI disease is three times more likely to develop. ^5,6

4. Compromised nutrient absorption

One of the side effects of bacterial imbalance is persistent inflammation, which can develop into something known as ‘leaky gut’. Leaky gut is a condition where the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged and undigested food particles, bacteria and toxins leak through the intestines into the bloodstream. Leaky gut can result in food sensitivities, poor nutrient absorption, skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, or more serious concerns such as thyroid or IBD.⁷

How to support your gut on the pill

The health of our gut plays a big part in our overall health, and an altered gut microbiome can influence your health in more ways than you may even realize. A healthy and diverse gut microbiome is essential for proper nutrient absorption and supports the immune functions. 

There are some simple things you can do to give it a little more love:

It may be best to first consult a registered dietitian to see how you can incorporate foods that may support digestive health and to discuss the possibility of integrating a daily probiotic into your routine. You could either take a probiotic capsule or a probiotic drink format as both forms support your digestive and immune health. Bio-K+ is an effective and clinically supported probiotic that delivers high-quality probiotics to your digestive system.

The Case for Probiotics

If you do take daily birth control medication, especially in pill form, you may want to pay attention to the cues your body is sending you about the state of your gut flora. It could be interesting to consult your health care professional about your medication and the possibility of taking a daily probiotic.

If you’re thinking about trying Bio-K+, head to our store locator. For more information on Bio-K+, probiotics and digestive health, contact us, find us on Facebook and Instagram or join our Bio-K+ Gut Kommunity.

This article is for information purposes only. Always check with your healthcare practitioner before starting or stopping a medication or supplement.

References

1. https://draxe.com/microbiome/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6231418
3. https://blumhealthmd.com/2017/06/17/what-is-dysbiosis/
4. http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2014/03/crohns-disease-marked-dramatic-changes-gut-bacteria
5. https://ibdnewstoday.com/2015/04/27/microbiome-imbalance-can-induce-crohns-disease-like-inflammation/
6. https://www.medicaldaily.com/birth-control-pill-may-triple-risk-crohns-disease-women-family-history-condition-325850
7. https://draxe.com/7-signs-symptoms-you-have-leaky-gut/