The birth control pill is one of the safest contraceptives according to the Pearl Index. A few illnesses affect the effectiveness of the pill - and unfortunately diarrhea and vomiting are among them. But there are a few things you can do to still get contraceptive protection. We tell you what you have to consider.

How long has it been since you took the pill?

In order to answer the question of whether the pill is still effective for diarrhea, one must first ask when exactly the birth control pill was taken. If vomiting and diarrhea start three to four hours after taking the pill, the contraceptive protection of the pill can be jeopardized because the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract have not yet sufficiently absorbed the hormonal active ingredients. You should also be careful if your gastrointestinal problems last for several days.

The pill and diarrhea: what can I do?

If you are on the pill and suddenly have diarrhea, the right timing is crucial to ensure optimal protection. If it's been less than four hours since you took the pill and you've been struggling with vomiting or diarrhea, you can simply swallow another pill from your blister pack and catch up, so to speak, as if you'd forgotten to take it. It is important that you consider what type of pill you are taking.

If you use a mini pill with the active ingredient levonorgestrel, it is extremely important to take it on time. Even a three-hour delay can jeopardize contraceptive protection. After the diarrhea has washed the active ingredients of the preparation out of your body, you have exactly three hours to catch up on the intake. If you use a mini pill with the active ingredient desogestrel or a conventional micropill, you have twelve hours to swallow another pill.

If you have been struggling with a severe gastrointestinal disease for several days, it makes sense to use condoms for the next seven days.

Note: If you are generally unsure whether you are adequately protected against pregnancy, you should consult your doctor to be on the safe side.

Anyone who takes the pill and suddenly gets diarrhea does not need to panic right away. If the pill was taken less than four hours ago, it can simply be made up for. If you also want to be on the safe side, you can also use condoms for a week.