The short explanation
If you vomit within about three hours of taking an emergency pill, it may not have been fully absorbed, and it may not work. Most guidance suggests contacting a pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible, as you may need another dose or a different option. A copper IUD is an alternative that is very effective as emergency contraception if inserted within about five days of sex, and it is not affected by vomiting. A doctor can also advise on medicines to reduce nausea.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- Emergency pills work best the sooner they are used after sex.
- Do a pregnancy test about three weeks after the sex, or if your next period is more than a week late.
- If vomiting continues or you feel very unwell, seek medical care.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This answer cannot tell whether your emergency pill worked. A pharmacist or doctor can advise on next steps.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- Do I need another emergency pill or a different option?
- Could a copper IUD be inserted?
- When should I do a pregnancy test?
- Which regular method would suit me?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Get help the same day
- Contact a pharmacist or doctor the same day if you vomited within three hours of the emergency pill.
Book an appointment soon
- Do a pregnancy test about three weeks after the sex.
Raise it at a routine appointment
- Book a routine appointment to start a regular method.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
Who wrote and reviewed this
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- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
- Written with AI assistance — not yet reviewed by a person
- Last reviewed
- Not yet reviewed by a person
- Version
- 1
Correction history
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No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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