Introduction
The active ingredients or hormones of the contraceptive pill are absorbed by the cells in the stomach and intestines and then transferred into the bloodstream. The gastrointestinal tract thus plays an essential role in the process of hormone uptake and transmission of the contraceptive pill. In cases of gastrointestinal disorders or other causes of diarrhoea, the effect of the pill may be compromised. The reason for this is that the cells then simply do not have enough time to absorb the substances contained in the contraceptive pill. In addition to diarrhoea, a loss of efficacy of the pill should also be considered when vomiting.
At what point is the effectiveness endangered?
The gastrointestinal cells need some time to absorb a sufficient amount of hormones and release them into the bloodstream. If diarrhoea occurs 3-4 hours after taking the pill, the effectiveness of the pill and thus the contraceptive protection is no longer guaranteed. People who suffer from diarrhoea shortly after taking the pill should therefore make sure they continue to use contraception during sexual intercourse.
Can I just take another pill?
The possibility of “refilling” the contraceptive pill depends on the preparation used. The combination pills that are very common today usually have a tolerance time of about 12 hours and thus theoretically allow a further intake of the pill. Other forms of the contraceptive pill, such as the minipill, do not offer this option. It is important to know exactly what kind of pill you are taking in order to make sure that it is possible or even useful to take the pill again. For this purpose the first thing to do is to thoroughly
What can I do if I want to take the “morning-after pill” but I have diarrhea?
As an emergency preparation, the “morning-after pill” also needs some time before it can develop its effect in the body. If diarrhoea occurs within 3-4 hours after taking the pill, the desired effect is no longer achieved. In such cases it is advisable to continue taking the morning-after pill.
This is best done in consultation with the treating gynecologist. If diarrhoea persists, the morning-after pill is completely unsuitable. In such cases another emergency contraceptive should be preferred. One possibility is, for example, the insertion of a copper chain at the gynaecologist.
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