99% of sexually active women in the US have used birth control at some point in their lives.

Before delving into the relationship with alcohol, it’s crucial to understand how birth control functions. 

Most contraceptives work by regulating hormones, preventing ovulation, or creating a barrier that stops sperm from reaching the egg.

Birth control is a highly efficient method for avoiding pregnancy, but many women wonder if they can drink alcohol while on birth control. 

This article explores the connection between birth control and alcohol, such as the effects of alcohol on birth control and the potential effect of birth control on alcohol tolerance.

Does alcohol affect birth control

Alcohol does not affect how the birth control pill works.

If a person consumes alcohol, the following kinds of contraception will continue to function normally:

  • Birth control pills
  • Implants 
  • Intrauterine Devices (IUDs)
  • Patches
  • Vaginal rings
  • Depo-Provera shot
  • Condoms

These methods are 91-99 percent effective when used correctly.

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However, alcohol can increase the risk of contraceptive failure.

It will be less effective if someone consumes so much alcohol that they throw up within two hours of taking the pill.

In such a case, they should immediately take another tablet and visit a doctor.

Additionally, drinking extensively increases the likelihood of forgetting to take the pill.

A person may forget to take the pill on a day of heavy drinking.

Or, they may not take the Progestin-only Pill (POP) on time.

POP only works if it is taken every day at the same time within a three-hour window.

Ovulation can result from a missed dose; this occurs when an ovary releases an egg.

A female is most fertile for three days: two days before ovulation and the actual day of ovulation. 

Sexual behavior with men in the fertile window without contraception increases pregnancy risk.

Warning:
Do not drink alcohol carelessly if you want to avoid a pregnancy at all costs. Alcohol can impair a person’s judgment, resulting in unsafe sexual conduct and an increased risk of contraceptive failure.

Does birth control affect alcohol tolerance

Alcohol should be avoided
Avoid alcohol

Alcohol is processed or metabolized more slowly by women who use oral contraceptives than by those who don’t.

This is a result of their liver having to break down alcohol and the hormones in the pill.

Birth control hormones can alter bodily water distribution, affecting alcohol elimination.

This may increase blood alcohol levels. 

As a result, alcohol may stay in the bloodstream longer and have longer-lasting effects.

Fact:
Women with greater levels of Ethinyl Estradiol (EE), a synthetic form of Estrogen, reported increased alcohol use and binge drinking throughout the active pill phase.

In other words, taking the birth control pill and consuming alcohol at the same time can lead to elevated blood alcohol levels and a higher degree of intoxication. 

This increases the likelihood of forgetting to take additional forms of protection during intercourse or missing a dose. 

Furthermore, alcohol consumption might make it difficult to use a condom properly, even if one remembers to do so.

Conclusion

Understanding the link between birth control and alcohol is essential for individuals seeking effective contraception. 

Alcohol itself does not impact the efficacy of various birth control methods.

However, excessive drinking can compromise its effectiveness, particularly in cases of vomiting within two hours of taking the birth control pill. 

Notably, alcohol affects the metabolism of women on oral contraceptives, leading to slower alcohol processing and potentially increased blood alcohol levels. 

This slower metabolism can result in prolonged intoxication, heightening the risk of forgetting to use additional protection during intercourse. 

Therefore, individuals on birth control should be mindful of their alcohol consumption to ensure both the contraceptive’s efficacy and their overall well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much alcohol cancels out birth control?

Consuming alcohol doesn’t directly cancel out the effectiveness of birth control. However, excessive alcohol intake can affect adherence to the prescribed regimen, potentially leading to missed doses. It’s crucial to follow medication guidelines strictly to ensure contraceptive efficacy and consult a healthcare professional regarding specific concerns.

Is it okay to drink alcohol while on birth control?

Consuming moderate amounts of alcohol while on birth control is generally considered safe. However, excessive alcohol intake may reduce the effectiveness of some contraceptives and increase side effects. It’s advisable to see a doctor to discuss individual circumstances and ensure optimal contraceptive efficacy.

Can heavy alcohol use affect fertility while on birth control?

Heavy alcohol use doesn’t directly impact birth control effectiveness, but it can affect fertility indirectly. Excessive alcohol consumption may lead to hormonal imbalances, liver dysfunction, and disrupted menstrual cycles, potentially reducing the effectiveness of birth control. It’s advisable to moderate alcohol intake for overall reproductive health while using contraceptives.

Is it safe to consume alcohol during pregnancy while on birth control?

No, it is not safe to consume alcohol during pregnancy, regardless of birth control use. Alcohol can harm the developing fetus. If you are sexually active and do not want a pregnancy, it’s crucial to use effective birth control methods. Still, alcohol consumption should be avoided if there’s a possibility of pregnancy.

Citations:
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