If a female patient vomits after taking a contraceptive tablet, what method should she use?

When a female patient vomits shortly after taking a contraceptive tablet, it can affect the absorption of the medication, potentially rendering it ineffective. In such cases, using a barrier method of contraception is advisable. Barrier methods, such as condoms, provide immediate protection against pregnancy and are not influenced by the ingestion of hormonal contraceptives.

The symptom-thermal method relies on tracking the menstrual cycle and recognizing signs of fertility, which may not be reliable in the short term after an episode of vomiting. The lactation amenorrhea method is effective only under specific circumstances related to breastfeeding and infant age, making it unsuitable in the event of an unexpected need for reliable contraception after vomiting. Additionally, a vasectomy is a permanent surgical procedure meant for male sterilization and would not apply in this context.

Choosing a barrier method in this situation allows for immediate preventive action against unintended pregnancy while ensuring that other methods, which may have been compromised, can be reassessed or reapplied at a later time.