When Do You Need Backup Birth Control? What Patients in Joliet Should Know

May 19, 2025

Birth control is a powerful tool for managing your reproductive health—but like any medication, it’s not foolproof. While hormonal birth control is highly effective when used correctly, there are times when a backup method is recommended to prevent unintended pregnancy. Whether you’re starting a new prescription, taking certain medications like antibiotics, or experiencing illness, knowing when to use extra protection is essential.

At Primary Care Joliet, we help patients make informed decisions about their birth control methods and overall reproductive health. Here’s what you should know about when to use backup birth control, how different factors can affect effectiveness, and how to protect yourself during those riskier windows.

What Is Backup Birth Control?

Backup birth control refers to a second method of contraception used in addition to your primary method. This often includes:

• Condoms
• Spermicide
• Diaphragms
• Emergency contraception (Plan B or Ella)

Backup methods are used to add protection when there’s a risk that your primary birth control might not be working as effectively as it should.

When You Should Use Backup Birth Control

There are several scenarios where backup birth control is advised, especially if you’re using hormonal contraceptives such as the pill, patch, ring, or injection.

1. When Starting a New Hormonal Birth Control

If you’re starting birth control pills, patches, or the ring for the first time—or restarting after a break—it takes time for the hormones to reach effective levels in your body.

• Use backup for at least 7 days when starting combination pills or the patch.
• Use backup for 48 hours if starting progestin-only pills (also called the mini-pill).

Ask your provider if you’re unsure what type you’ve been prescribed.

2. If You Miss a Pill or Take It Late

Missing even one birth control pill—especially a progestin-only pill—can reduce its effectiveness.

• If you miss a combination pill by more than 24 hours, use backup for 7 days.
• If you’re late taking a progestin-only pill by more than 3 hours, use backup for 48 hours.

Always follow your provider’s instructions for what to do if you miss a dose.

3. When Taking Certain Medications (Including Some Antibiotics)

Some medications can interfere with how your body processes hormonal birth control, potentially reducing its effectiveness.

• Rifampin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis, is known to lower hormonal birth control effectiveness.
• Certain seizure medications, such as phenytoin or carbamazepine, may also interfere.
• St. John’s Wort, a common herbal supplement for depression, can impact hormone levels.
• Antifungal medications like griseofulvin may reduce effectiveness as well.

If you’re prescribed a new medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if backup birth control is needed during treatment.

Note: Most common antibiotics—such as those used for UTIs, sinus infections, or strep throat—do not interfere with hormonal birth control, but it’s always wise to double-check.

4. During Episodes of Vomiting or Diarrhea

If you vomit within 2 hours of taking your pill—or experience severe diarrhea for 2 or more days—your body may not absorb enough hormones to prevent pregnancy.

• Use backup during the illness and for at least 7 days afterward.
• If symptoms continue for more than 48 hours, contact your healthcare provider.

5. After Emergency Contraception

If you’ve taken emergency contraception like Plan B, Next Choice, or Ella, it’s important to resume or continue your regular birth control—but also to use backup protection.

• After Plan B or similar, use backup for at least 7 days.
• After Ella (ulipristal acetate), use backup for at least 14 days or until your next period.

Ella may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control if taken together, so consult with your provider to time things correctly.

6. If You’re Late Getting Your Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera)

The Depo-Provera injection should be received every 12–13 weeks. If you’re late getting your shot:

• Use backup birth control for at least 7 days after your next injection.
• Consider a pregnancy test if there’s been a gap of more than 15 weeks between shots.

Tips for Staying Protected

Life happens. Whether it’s a missed pill or an unexpected medication interaction, here are ways to stay on top of your birth control game:

• Set reminders to take your pill at the same time each day.
• Keep condoms on hand in case backup is needed.
• Talk to your provider before starting new medications, even supplements.
• Track your cycle and symptoms to spot irregularities.
• Schedule regular check-ins with your healthcare provider for renewals or changes.

At Primary Care Joliet, we can help you build a birth control plan that fits your lifestyle, including guidance on when and how to use backup protection.

Long-Term Solutions That Don’t Require Backup

If you’re looking for something more reliable with less need for backups, consider long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). These include:

• IUDs (hormonal and non-hormonal)
• Implants like Nexplanon

These methods are more than 99% effective, low-maintenance, and less likely to be affected by outside factors like medications or illness.

Final Thoughts

Birth control is most effective when used correctly and consistently—but certain situations can lower its protection. Understanding when to use backup birth control can prevent unwanted surprises and give you peace of mind.

At Primary Care Joliet, we’re committed to helping you make informed, confident decisions about your reproductive health. Whether you need help choosing a new method, managing your current one, or just have questions about medications or timing, we’re here for you.

Schedule a visit with us today to review your birth control options and ensure you’re protected—no matter what life throws your way.