Does Vomiting After Taking Birth Control Pills Affect Their Effectiveness?

If you vomit after taking the emergency contraceptive pill, you should take another dose?

Hello, I have been taking the oral contraceptive pill (recommended by my doctor, Ayi) for a month.
Later, due to unavailability at my workplace, I switched to the pharmacist-recommended 21-tablet Yejih, and I am currently in my fourth month of taking Yejih, consistently at 11 PM.
On September 19 (Sunday), I took the sixth pill, and an hour and a half later, I vomited due to overeating.
I took an additional pill five to ten minutes later.
On September 21 (Tuesday), I took the eighth pill, and within half an hour, I vomited again due to overeating, and I also took another pill five to ten minutes later.
Between September 18 (Saturday) and September 21 (Tuesday), I had unprotected intercourse.
I would like to know if vomiting and taking additional pills will affect the contraceptive effectiveness.
Additionally, do I need to buy another pack to continue taking until I complete the 21 pills? Thank you!

SU, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/23

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, you should not be pregnant.
Just finish taking the medication.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/09/23

More Info

Vomiting after taking birth control pills can indeed affect their effectiveness, particularly if it occurs within a few hours of ingestion. Birth control pills, such as the ones you mentioned (Ai Yi and Yue Ji), work by delivering hormones that prevent ovulation and create an environment that is not conducive to fertilization. When you vomit shortly after taking a pill, there is a risk that your body may not fully absorb the hormones, which can lead to reduced contraceptive effectiveness.

In your case, since you vomited within one and a half hours after taking the sixth pill and within half an hour after taking the eighth pill, it is important to consider the following:
1. Timing of Vomiting: If vomiting occurs within two hours of taking the pill, it is generally recommended to take another pill as soon as possible. Since you did take an additional pill shortly after vomiting, this is a good step to mitigate the risk of reduced effectiveness.

2. Supplementing Pills: If you are concerned about the effectiveness of your birth control due to vomiting, it is advisable to continue taking the remaining pills in your pack as scheduled. You do not need to buy an additional pack unless you have missed pills or are advised by your healthcare provider to do so.
3. Backup Contraception: Given that you had unprotected intercourse during the time you experienced vomiting, it might be wise to use backup contraception (such as condoms) for at least seven days after the incident to ensure you are protected against unintended pregnancy.

4. Consulting a Healthcare Provider: If you have ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of your birth control method, or if vomiting persists, it would be beneficial to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your health history and current situation.

5. Understanding Your Birth Control: It’s essential to understand how your specific birth control pills work and the importance of taking them consistently at the same time each day. This consistency helps maintain stable hormone levels in your body, maximizing their effectiveness.

In summary, vomiting after taking birth control pills can potentially affect their effectiveness, especially if it occurs shortly after ingestion. Since you took additional pills after vomiting, you have taken a proactive step. However, using backup contraception for a short period and consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice is recommended to ensure you are adequately protected.

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