What if I get sick after taking my birth control pill?

Key takeaways:

• Vomiting and diarrhea can affect how your birth control is absorbed. The timing of when this happens is key to knowing what to do next.
• If vomiting occurs more than 2 hours after taking the pill, you’re likely still protected.
• If you have a chronic digestive condition like IBS or IBD, you may want to consider a birth control method that bypasses the GI system.

Having an upset stomach and being stuck in the bathroom is never fun, and it’s even more stressful when you realize your birth control pill might not have had a chance to do its job. If you vomit or experience diarrhea soon after taking your pill, there’s a chance your body didn’t absorb the medication properly.

This is especially important with progestin-only pills, which have a shorter window for consistent effectiveness. Here’s what to know if you get sick after taking your pill, and how to stay protected.

What to do if you get sick after taking a birth control pill

Whether it’s a sudden stomach bug or food poisoning, getting sick after taking your birth control pill can raise concerns, especially if vomiting or diarrhea happens soon after taking your pill. The way illness affects your birth control depends on the type of pill you take and how long your gastrointestinal symptoms last. Here’s what to do to stay protected.

If you’re taking a combination birth control pill (estrogen + progestin):

Combination pills are a bit more forgiving when it comes to timing and absorption. Still, it’s important to know what counts as a missed dose and when to use backup protection.

• If you vomit more than 2 hours after taking an active pill, you’re still protected.
• If you vomit within 2 hours of taking an active pill, treat it as a missed dose and take another active pill right away. As long as you don’t vomit again, your protection continues.
• If you vomit after taking an inactive (placebo) pill, there’s no impact on protection—no need to worry.
• If you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea (3 or more watery stools in 24 hours) that lasts longer than 24 hours, your pill may not be fully absorbed. Try to keep taking your pills at the usual time, but also use a backup method (like condoms)if you are sexually active while you’re sick and for 7 days after symptoms stop.
• Not sure what to do? Keep taking your pill on schedule and use a backup method until you can connect with a Nurx provider or another healthcare professional.

If you’re taking a progestin-only birth control pill:

Progestin-only pills, or mini-pills, have a shorter window for effective use, so stomach issues like vomiting or diarrhea can have a bigger impact on protection. Timing is key with this method.

• If you vomit more than 2 hours after taking your mini-pill, you’re still protected.
• If you vomit within 2 hours, take another pill right away. If you don’t take a replacement within 3 hours of your regular time, use backup protection (condoms) for the next 48 hours.
• For ongoing vomiting or diarrhea (3 or more watery stools in 24 hours) lasting more than a day, your protection may be reduced. Continue taking your pills at the normal time if possible, but also use a backup method while you’re ill and for 2 days after symptoms resolve.
• If you’re unsure, keep taking your pill and use a backup method until you can reach your Nurx provider or another trusted clinician.

How long does it take for birth control to absorb in the body?

Most oral birth control pills are designed to be fast-acting—once swallowed, they typically absorb into your bloodstream within 1 to 2 hours. That means your body starts processing the hormones quickly, which is key for maintaining consistent pregnancy protection.

If you vomit within two hours of taking your pill, there’s a chance it didn’t fully absorb. In that case, it’s safest to treat it like a missed pill and take another one right away. Vomiting after that two-hour window usually doesn’t affect absorption.

Severe or prolonged diarrhea (defined as three or more watery stools in 24 hours) can also interfere with how your body absorbs oral contraceptives. If this continues for more than a day, it’s a good idea to use a backup method like condoms until the illness resolves and for some days afterward, just to be safe.

It’s important to note that this timing concern only applies to oral birth control methods. If you use a patch, vaginal ring, IUD, or implant, your birth control bypasses the digestive system, so vomiting or diarrhea won’t affect its effectiveness.

If you’re unsure whether your illness has affected your protection, check-in with your Nurx provider can help you feel confident about your next steps.

What to do if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours

If you’re sick for more than a day with vomiting or diarrhea, especially if you’re unable to keep food or medication down, it’s important to take extra steps to protect against pregnancy. Illness that lasts over 24 hours can affect how your body absorbs oral birth control pills, which may reduce their effectiveness.

Here’s what to do:

• Continue taking your pill at your usual time each day, even if you’re sick. If you vomit within two hours of taking it, follow the guidance for missed pills (often, that means taking another dose as soon as possible).

• Use backup contraception like condoms during the illness and after, for a few days—how long depends on the type of pill you take:
  • Combination pills (estrogen + progestin): Use a backup method while you’re sick and for 7 days after your symptoms stop.
  • Progestin-only pills (mini-pill): These are more sensitive to timing. Use backup contraception during the illness and for at least 48 hours after symptoms resolve.

Tips to prevent nausea when taking birth control pills

Some people experience mild nausea when starting birth control pills, especially during the first few weeks, as their body adjusts to the hormones. While this side effect is usually temporary, there are simple steps you can take to minimize it and make your daily pill routine more comfortable.

• Take your pill with food. Swallowing your pill after a meal or snack can help reduce stomach upset. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach if you’re prone to queasiness.
• Choose the right time of day. For many, taking the pill in the evening or before bed helps reduce nausea, especially if it tends to be worse in the morning.
• Stay upright. Try not to lie down right after taking your pill—staying upright for at least 30 minutes can help your body digest it more easily.
• Stay hydrated. Drinking water throughout the day supports digestion and may help prevent queasiness related to both hormones and dehydration.
• Ask about switching formulas. If your nausea persists beyond the first few weeks, a different pill formulation (such as one with a lower estrogen dose or a different type of progestin) might be better suited for your body.

If nausea continues or interferes with your daily life, don’t hesitate to talk to a healthcare provider. The Nurx team can help you find a birth control method that fits your body and your lifestyle.

Are there better birth control options if you have frequent digestive issues?

If you regularly deal with digestive symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea—whether from a chronic condition like IBS, IBD, or something else—you may want to consider birth control methods that don’t rely on the gastrointestinal (GI) system to work effectively.

Oral pills need to be absorbed through your digestive tract, so anything that interferes with that process—like frequent stomach upset or diarrhea—can reduce their effectiveness. If that’s your experience, you’re not alone, and there are great alternatives.

Birth control options that bypass the digestive system:

• Vaginal ring Delivers hormones directly through the vaginal wall and is unaffected by GI issues.
• Birth control patch: Absorbs hormones through the skin and is changed weekly.
• IUDs (both hormonal and copper): Long-acting, low-maintenance, and highly effective with no impact on digestive health.

These methods can offer peace of mind and more consistent protection, especially if unpredictable digestion makes pills feel like a gamble.

If you’re unsure which method is best for your body and lifestyle, the medical team at Nurx is here to help. A personalized consultation can help you explore your options and find a solution that works for you, without added stress.

Trust your gut—and your birth control

Your digestive system shouldn’t stand in the way of reliable, stress-free pregnancy prevention. Whether you’ve had a one-time stomach bug or live with ongoing digestive challenges, there are safe and effective ways to manage your protection and other birth control options that don’t depend on your GI tract.

At Nurx, we make it simple to find the right fit. Start an online consultation today to connect with a licensed provider and get birth control delivered to your door—discreetly, conveniently, and with expert care every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): 

What happens if I throw up after I take my birth control?

If you vomit within 2 hours of taking an oral birth control pill, your body may not have fully absorbed it. In that case, it’s generally recommended to take another pill as soon as possible. If vomiting occurs after 2 hours, you’re likely still protected—but always check your pill’s instructions or message a provider if you’re unsure.

How long does it take for birth control to absorb?

Most oral birth control pills absorb into your bloodstream within 1 to 2 hours of swallowing them. That’s why vomiting or having severe diarrhea shortly after taking a pill can impact how well it works, especially if it happens during the time your body is trying to absorb it.

Should I take another pill if I throw up?

Yes—if you vomited within 2 hours of taking your birth control pill, take another one as soon as you can. If you vomit again or are unsure, use a backup method (like condoms) and consult with a healthcare provider. If vomiting occurred more than 2 hours later, your pill likely still worked.

Is it normal to vomit after taking the morning-after pill?

The morning-after pill can cause nausea or vomiting in some people. If you vomit within 2 hours of taking it, the pill might not work, and you may need to take another dose. Always check the instructions that come with your emergency contraception and contact a provider if you’re unsure what to do.

The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon this content for medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to a medical professional.

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