Ortho Tri Cyclen Lo and Cigarettes

**Mouse37** · 08-27-2011 01:34 AM

I am simply curious about how cigarettes effect the effectiveness of birth control.

I am well aware that you are not suppose to excessively smoke while on the pill, but I'm more curious about "social smoking", say a few in one night.

I'm not a smoker myself, but it is just something I've wondered about.

I am also curious about alcohol consumption and the effects it also has. Again, I do not drink, but I mean once in a while a glass of wine might be poured because of the holidays or maybe just because it would be better than a glass of soda, you know?

How would a few glasses of alcohol effect the pill? What about more than just a few glasses?

Thank you in advance.

**rosekitten** · 08-27-2011 02:11 AM

From all that I've read (and personal experience), neither inhibit the effectiveness of birth control (unless you forget to take it due to being drunk, etc). However, the reason you aren't supposed to smoke is because it creates a higher risk for blood clots.