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Contraception

Using St. John's wort can lead to a surprise pregnancy


St. John's wort is a common name for an herb called Hypericum perforatum. In folk medicine, St. John's wort has been used to treat wounds, as well as kidney and lung problems. Today, some people believe St. John's wort can help treat depression. But doctors say there is some evidence that St. John's wort interacts with estrogens and oral contraceptives and that the combination may be associated with intermenstrual bleeding. A health agency in Sweden, similar to the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, reports two women became pregnant while taking St. John's wort while on oral contraceptives.