The Pill & Bulimia
Q: One of my friends is bulimic. She also just got a new boyfriend. She told
me that they have unprotected sex, but she is on the birth control pill, so
she thinks that that is okay. I am very concerned for her because they have
no money, they barely get by living, and if she is bulimic, how long does it
take for the pill's hormones to be fully absorbed? Is she safe from getting
pregnant? There is no way that they should be bringing a child into the world
right now.
--C.F.
Dr. Donnica: You are such a good friend to be concerned! Yes, she
should be using condoms for STD protection with a "new" boyfriend.
And the Pill is not the greatest choice of contraceptive for bulimics! How
much she's actually absorbing depends on when she makes herself vomit with respect
to taking the Pill. Of course she should get some help with that behavior
as well, which is extremely unhealthy. In the meantime, maybe you could suggest
that she switch to the contraceptive patch for better protection.
Best regards,
Donnica Moore MD
President, DrDonnica.com
Created: 3/8/2003 - Donnica Moore, M.D.
