Should You Take Emergency Contraceptive Again After Vomiting?

Emergency contraceptive pill vomiting

I felt nauseous before taking the medication, but the time had come, so I took the Alesse contraceptive pill.
About 25 minutes later, I experienced vomiting.
Should I take another dose?

Tsai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/20

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, based on your description, you may refrain from taking the medication for now.
If you experience any abnormal bleeding, please consult a physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and good health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2024/01/20

More Info

When it comes to emergency contraception, specifically the use of medications like Ella (ulipristal acetate) or Plan B (levonorgestrel), the effectiveness of the pill can be influenced by various factors, including vomiting shortly after ingestion.
In general, if you vomit within two hours of taking an emergency contraceptive pill, it is recommended to take another dose. This is because the medication may not have been fully absorbed into your system if you vomited shortly after taking it. However, since you mentioned that you vomited approximately 25 minutes after taking the pill, it is advisable to take another dose to ensure that you have adequate levels of the medication in your system to prevent pregnancy.

It's important to note that emergency contraceptive pills are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. They are designed to prevent ovulation or fertilization and are not effective if implantation has already occurred. Therefore, if you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy and have vomited after taking the pill, taking a second dose is a prudent step.

Additionally, if you are experiencing ongoing nausea or vomiting, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on managing these symptoms and may suggest alternative forms of emergency contraception, such as a copper intrauterine device (IUD), which can be used up to five days after unprotected intercourse and is highly effective.

In summary, since you vomited shortly after taking the emergency contraceptive pill, it is advisable to take another dose to ensure its effectiveness. If you have further concerns or if vomiting persists, seeking medical advice is recommended. Always remember that emergency contraception is a backup method and should not be used as a regular form of birth control. Regular contraceptive methods should be discussed with a healthcare provider to find the best option for your needs.

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