Do I Need to Take Extra Birth Control After Diarrhea?

Emergency contraceptive pills diarrhea?

Hello, doctor.
I finished taking my oral contraceptive (Yaz) today, and about 10 minutes later, I had a bout of diarrhea.
Should I take an additional dose? I am currently on my 18th pill.
If I need to take an extra dose, should I still finish the 21 pills this month, or do I need to take a 22nd pill?

Ruby, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/04/19

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description of symptoms, you may not need to take additional medication at this time.
However, if you experience any abnormal bleeding, please consult a physician.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Chang.

Reply Date: 2022/04/19

More Info

When it comes to the effectiveness of birth control pills, particularly combined oral contraceptives, it's important to understand how gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea can affect their efficacy. Generally, if you experience diarrhea within a few hours of taking your birth control pill, it may not be fully absorbed into your system, which could potentially reduce its effectiveness.

In your case, since you experienced diarrhea approximately 10 minutes after taking your pill, there is a possibility that the pill may not have been fully absorbed. The general recommendation in such situations is to consider the severity and duration of the diarrhea. If it is mild and resolves quickly, you may not need to take any additional action. However, if the diarrhea is severe or persistent, it is advisable to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, for at least 7 days after the episode.

Regarding whether you need to take an extra pill, if you are concerned about the effectiveness of the pill you took, it is often recommended to take another pill as soon as you can, especially if you are within the first two weeks of your pill pack. Since you are on the 18th pill, you should continue taking your pills as scheduled. You do not need to take a 22nd pill unless advised by your healthcare provider. Just finish the current pack as planned, and if you have any concerns about potential pregnancy or the effectiveness of your birth control, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

It's also worth noting that if you find yourself frequently experiencing gastrointestinal issues that interfere with your birth control, you might want to discuss alternative contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider. Options such as the contraceptive patch, vaginal ring, or long-acting reversible contraceptives (like IUDs) may provide more consistent effectiveness without the risk of absorption issues related to gastrointestinal disturbances.

In summary, if you experience diarrhea shortly after taking your birth control pill, consider the severity of the diarrhea, and if in doubt, consult your healthcare provider. Continue taking your pills as scheduled, and use backup contraception if necessary. Always keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns about your birth control method and its effectiveness.

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