Should I Take an Extra Birth Control Pill After Vomiting? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

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When it comes to the effectiveness of birth control pills, understanding the timing and the body's absorption of the medication is crucial, especially in cases of vomiting. In your situation, you took your birth control pill at 10:30 AM and vomited around 12:00 PM. The key factor here is whether the pill was absorbed into your system before you vomited.

Generally, if you vomit within two hours of taking a birth control pill, there is a risk that the pill may not have been fully absorbed. In this case, it is advisable to take an additional pill as a precaution. However, if more than two hours have passed since you took the pill, it is likely that the medication has been absorbed, and you do not need to take an extra pill.

Since you are asking if you should take an extra pill today, it is important to note that if you are within the same day of your regular pill schedule, taking an additional pill can help maintain the effectiveness of your birth control. However, you should not take two pills at the same time as this can lead to increased side effects. Instead, take the extra pill as soon as possible if you are within the two-hour window.

If you are concerned about the effectiveness of your birth control due to vomiting, consider using a backup method, such as condoms, for the next seven days to ensure protection against unintended pregnancy. This is particularly important if you are in the middle of your active pill pack.

In addition, if vomiting is a recurring issue for you, it may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider. They can help you explore alternative birth control methods that may be more suitable for your situation, such as long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) like IUDs or implants, which do not require daily attention and are not affected by gastrointestinal issues.

In summary, if you vomited within two hours of taking your birth control pill, it is recommended to take an extra pill as soon as possible. If it has been more than two hours, you likely do not need to take an additional pill. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and to discuss any ongoing concerns regarding your birth control method.