I have been using oral contraceptives for over five years and have had no problem with them. Recently, I was put on ARVs (Triomune) and have now missed my periods for two months. When I tested for pregnancy, I was found to be pregnant. I am devastated because I was not ready for the pregnancy. Please advise.
Florence
Dear Florence,
IT is possible that the oral contraceptives became ineffective when you started taking ARVs. Some ARVs like Nevirapine, make oral contraceptives less effective. Condom use and a long acting family planning method like the injectable Depo-provera would have been more appropriate.
Seek services of an HIV/AIDS counsellor to help you cope with the stress of unwanted pregnancy.
You should also register with an antenatal clinic so that you are taught how to protect your baby from being infected by HIV.
Send your questions on HIV to Health Editor, The New Vision, P.O Box 9815, Kampala or
health&beauty@newvision.co.ug
I conceived while on the pill
