Expert: Norman Solberg - 11/26/2008

Question
Hi,

I take my pill every day at 6 pm. Last night I took my pill on time and went to a concert. I had some drinks at the show, got overheated, and vomited around 10:30 pm. I got home and fell asleep. As soon as I woke up around 5:30 this morning, I took an extra pill and took my normally scheduled 6 pm pill on time a few minutes ago. My question is, did I need to take the extra pill? I know that if I had thrown up within an hour or two of taking the pill, my protection could be compromised, but I am not sure about protection after vomiting within four to five hours. Also, should I use back-up for the rest of my pill cycle? I normally use diaphragm/spermicide as my back-up but am slightly worried about that since I have gained about 10 pounds since I got fitted for mine. I had to use the smallest size available. How much variation is required before a refit is necessary? I do not have insurance to see a doctor about getting refit and would use condoms if I need to use back-up the rest of the pill cycle. Thanks for any advice you can give me.

Answer
Hi Ann,
You probably didn't need to take the extra pill.  Usually your stomach is empty 4 hours after a meal, so the pill had passed through.  I don't think you need backup.  As far as your diaphragm fit, a person needs to gain or lose a LOT of weight before it changes your fitting.  I'm sure yours fits the same as when you got it.