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A 24-year-old female asked:
I had diarrhea 2 hrs after i take birth control pill w/o food. is that normal side effects? or should i consider it a missed pill? im on alysena28.
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. John Berrymananswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 56 years experience
Diarrhea on bcp: Diarrhea is not related to taking oral contraceptives except if you have been diagnosed with endometriosis. Any drop in estrogen, as with a "missed (active) pill" can activate endometriosis in the large intestine, and cause diarrhea. Otherwise there is no real connection with oral bcp, just coincidence.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
448 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Related questions
A 21-year-old female asked:
I had diarrhea three times in a 24 hour timespan, should l take another birth control pill?
Dr. Janice Alexanderanswered
Obstetrics and Gynecology 44 years experience
Not necessary: If you are concerned, use a back up method for contraception, such as a condom. If your diarrhea persists, see a Provider and check that out.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
I had diarrhea once per day on the 3rd and 4th day of my new pack of birth control pills. I take them in the evening and this happened in the morning. Can this affect their absorption? Sould I worry if it happens again?
Dr. Harold Fieldsanswered
Family Medicine 63 years experience
It should not affect their absorption . Good Luck
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Aug 24, 2021
A 24-year-old female asked:
Hello. I am on a combination birth control pill. I took my pill and then about 10-20mins later had two to three bouts of watery diarrhea (a decent amount of watery stools for each bout) Is taking another pill necessary?
Dr. Christine Homanswered
Pediatrics 32 years experience
Birth control pills: Birth control pills don't usually cause diarrhea. This is more likely due to a stomach virus. In any case, you should not have to repeat the dose as... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
45 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
I took the first pill of a new back of birth control at 9pm. I just had terrible diarrhea. Am I still protected? I take it at 9pm everyday
Dr. James Rochesteranswered
Family Medicine 28 years experience
Yes: Diarrhea should not affect the effectiveness of your birth control pill. Hope this was helpful. Dr R
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
1.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
I take my combination birth control pill every morning at 6:55AM. I had diarrhea at 9:25AM. Am I still protected? When should I be worried about diarrhea decreasing the efficacy of the pill?
Dr. Sarah Vander Polanswered
Family Medicine 12 years experience
If you had just one bout of diarrhea, it is not affected. Generally if you have persistent diarrhea for more than 24hrs, then protection against preg... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Feb 24, 2023
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Last updated Dec 13, 2017
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