Effectiveness of Emergency Contraceptive Pills After Vomiting

If vomiting occurs after taking the contraceptive pill?

On the morning of December 24th, I had unprotected intercourse and in the afternoon, I bought Plan B (emergency contraceptive pill).
I have gastroesophageal reflux disease, which caused me to vomit an hour and a half after taking the medication.
Will the effectiveness of the pill be absorbed, or will it be ineffective due to the vomiting?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/24

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it is generally advisable to take preventive measures for contraception at all times, and not to rely on the calendar method.
If your period is more than a week late, it is recommended to consult a gynecologist.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2016/12/24

More Info

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), such as Plan B (levonorgestrel) or Ella (ulipristal acetate), are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. The effectiveness of these pills can be influenced by several factors, including the timing of administration, the type of pill taken, and individual physiological responses, such as vomiting.

In your case, you took the emergency contraceptive pill (安立婷) approximately 1.5 hours after ingestion, which is a critical time frame to consider. Generally, if a person vomits within two hours of taking an ECP, there is a possibility that the medication may not be fully absorbed into the bloodstream. This is because the pill needs time to dissolve and be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. However, vomiting after 1.5 hours may not significantly affect the absorption of the medication, as it is likely that some of the drug has already been absorbed by that time.

It is important to note that the effectiveness of ECPs is highest when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. The sooner the pill is taken, the more effective it is at preventing ovulation and, consequently, pregnancy. If you have concerns about the effectiveness of the pill due to vomiting, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They may recommend taking another dose of the emergency contraceptive pill, especially if vomiting occurred within the critical two-hour window.

Additionally, if you are experiencing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other gastrointestinal issues, it may be beneficial to discuss these conditions with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on how to manage these symptoms and their potential impact on medication absorption.

In summary, while vomiting shortly after taking an emergency contraceptive pill can affect its absorption, vomiting after 1.5 hours may not significantly reduce its effectiveness. If you have concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and potential follow-up actions.

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