Oral birth control, or “the pill,” is a widely used contraceptive method. It introduces synthetic hormones, typically estrogen and progestin in combination pills or progestin alone in mini-pills, to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus, and thinning the uterine lining. Consistent daily intake is necessary to maintain steady hormone levels for effectiveness. However, vomiting shortly after taking a pill can disrupt this process and reduce its contraceptive efficacy.
How Vomiting Impacts Birth Control
Oral birth control pills need time in the digestive system to be absorbed into the bloodstream. While absorption can begin in 20-30 minutes, it generally takes 30 minutes to 2 hours for the pill to be adequately absorbed and reach therapeutic blood levels. Vomiting shortly after taking a pill can prevent this absorption. If the pill is expelled before its active ingredients are fully absorbed, it is similar to a missed dose. This means the hormonal levels needed for pregnancy prevention might not be maintained.
Immediate Steps to Take
If you vomit after taking your birth control pill, the immediate steps depend on the pill type and time elapsed. For combination pills, if you vomit within 2 to 3 hours of taking an active pill, take another active pill as soon as possible, assuming you can keep it down. This replacement ensures your body receives the necessary hormone dose, then continue your regularly scheduled pills. For progestin-only pills, timing is more sensitive; if you vomit within 2 to 3 hours, take another pill immediately. If you cannot take a replacement within three hours of your usual time, it is considered a missed dose, requiring extra precautions and continued use of a back-up method if ongoing vomiting or severe diarrhea lasts over 24-48 hours.
When to Consider Back-Up Methods
After vomiting, assess if your birth control protection is compromised and if a back-up method is necessary. If you vomit within 2 to 3 hours of taking a combined pill and take a replacement, you are likely still protected. However, if unsure or if you vomit more than once, use a back-up contraceptive method, such as condoms, for the next 7 days. For progestin-only pills, if a replacement is not taken within 3 hours of your usual time after vomiting, or if sickness lasts over 24 hours, back-up contraception is recommended for at least 48 hours, or until 7 consecutive active pills are taken without further vomiting. If you had unprotected sex before the incident and are concerned, emergency contraception might be an option; consult a healthcare professional.
Strategies to Avoid Future Incidents
To minimize vomiting affecting your birth control, adjust how and when you take your pill. Taking it with food or a snack can reduce nausea, especially if you tend to experience an upset stomach, and many find it beneficial to take their pill at bedtime. If you frequently experience nausea or vomiting, discuss this with a healthcare provider. They may suggest a different pill with a lower hormone dose or alternative methods like a vaginal ring or IUD. Adequate hydration and smaller, more frequent meals can also help manage general nausea.