Having diarrhea for a week can affect the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. If diarrhea is severe or occurs within a few hours of taking the pill, it may prevent the body from fully absorbing the medication. It is advisable to use an additional form of contraception during this time and consult a healthcare provider for further guidance?
Hello doctor, I have been taking Yaz for six months, and recently I have experienced diarrhea for a few days.
Last week, I had unprotected intercourse.
Will this affect the effectiveness of the birth control? Do I need to take additional contraceptive measures in the coming days? Thank you, doctor.
YA, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/04/18
Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, generally it does not have an impact.
If you are concerned, you can use additional contraceptive methods, such as condoms.
Wishing you good health.
Reply Date: 2023/04/18
More Info
Diarrhea can indeed affect the effectiveness of birth control pills, but the extent of this impact largely depends on the severity and duration of the diarrhea. Birth control pills, like the one you mentioned (悦己, or Yaz), work by maintaining stable hormone levels in your body to prevent ovulation. For these pills to be effective, they need to be absorbed properly in your gastrointestinal tract.
When you experience diarrhea, especially if it is severe or lasts for more than 24 hours, it can interfere with the absorption of the hormones in the birth control pill. If you take a pill and then have diarrhea within a few hours, your body may not absorb the hormones effectively, which could potentially lead to a decreased contraceptive effect.
The general guideline is that if you have diarrhea that is severe (defined as three or more loose stools in a day) or if it lasts for more than 24 hours, you should consider using a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, until you have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours. If you have had unprotected intercourse during this time, there is a possibility of pregnancy, and you may want to consult with your healthcare provider for further advice.
In your case, since you mentioned having unprotected sex during the week when you experienced diarrhea, it would be prudent to use additional contraceptive methods until you are sure that your body is back to normal and the pills are being absorbed effectively again.
Additionally, if you find that diarrhea is a recurring issue, it may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider. They can help determine if there is an underlying cause that needs to be addressed or if an alternative form of contraception might be more suitable for your situation.
In summary, while mild diarrhea may not significantly affect the effectiveness of birth control pills, more severe cases can pose a risk. Always err on the side of caution and consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your contraceptive method and any gastrointestinal symptoms you may be experiencing.
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