Does Dissolved Birth Control Pill Affect Its Effectiveness?

The emergency contraceptive pill has dissolved?

Hello, doctor! Today, while I was taking my medication, I thought I had taken the wrong pill, so I spat out the birth control pill to check it again.
However, since I was drinking warm water, it had already started to dissolve when I spat it out.
After seeing it dissolve, I immediately put it back in my mouth, but there was also a bit of the dissolved medication left on my hand.
Will this affect the effectiveness of the birth control pill? Will it be unable to function properly?

Fyhuh, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/03/27

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, it should have a minimal impact; just observe the situation.
If you're concerned, you can use condoms for contraception.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/03/27

More Info

When it comes to the effectiveness of birth control pills, the concern about whether a pill that has started to dissolve affects its efficacy is valid. Birth control pills, particularly those that are combined oral contraceptives (which contain both estrogen and progestin), are designed to be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract after ingestion. If a pill is partially dissolved in your mouth and then re-swallowed, it may still retain some of its effectiveness, but there are several factors to consider.

Firstly, the timing of when the pill was dissolved is crucial. If you noticed that the pill was dissolving shortly after taking it, and you quickly put it back in your mouth, it is likely that a significant portion of the active ingredients remained intact and were absorbed when you swallowed it again. However, if the pill had been in your mouth for an extended period before you re-swallowed it, there is a possibility that some of the active ingredients could have been lost, potentially reducing its effectiveness.

Secondly, the type of birth control pill you are using matters. Most combination pills are designed to be effective even if there is a slight delay in absorption, but if you are using a progestin-only pill (often referred to as the "mini-pill"), the timing of ingestion is more critical. Progestin-only pills need to be taken at the same time every day to maintain their effectiveness, and any significant delay could increase the risk of ovulation.

Additionally, the presence of any residual medication on your hands after handling the pill is unlikely to affect its efficacy. The primary concern is the amount of the active ingredient that reaches your bloodstream after ingestion. If you are unsure about the effectiveness of the pill after this incident, it is advisable to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for at least the next seven days, or until you can confirm that you are still protected.

In conclusion, while the incident you described may not completely negate the effectiveness of your birth control pill, it is essential to monitor your cycle and consider using additional contraceptive methods if you have concerns. If you frequently find yourself in situations where you are unsure about the effectiveness of your birth control, it may be beneficial to discuss alternative methods with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs and help ensure that you have a reliable plan for preventing unintended pregnancy.

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