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Birth Control and Alcohol: Do They Interact?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on May 20, 2025.

Does birth control interact with alcohol?

Alcohol use does not lower the effectiveness of hormonal birth control methods, including emergency contraception and the pill, IUD, implants, the ring, or the patch. But alcohol use and intoxication can cloud your judgment, increase your risk for unsafe sex, or add to the chance you'll forget to take your pill or use protection against STDs.

If you drink and vomit within 2 hours of taking your birth control pill, its effectiveness may also be lowered. Take another pill as soon as possible, and use a back-up method of birth control like a condom during sex until you can check with your healthcare provider about how to proceed.

Drinking does not lower the effectiveness of the condom, diaphragm, cervical cap or female condom when used correctly and consistently. However, drinking too much and intoxication may make proper use of these birth control methods difficult or you may make an unsafe decision about using them at all during sex.

When used correctly and as directed, hormonal birth control methods such as the pill, intrauterine device (IUD), hormonal implant, ring, shot, or the patch are about 91% to 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Related: Can you drink alcohol after taking Plan B?

Does alcohol increase risky sexual behavior?

Yes, alcohol use and excessive drinking can lead to risky behavior and accidents. One large study in over 465,000 adolescents and young adults showed that consuming alcohol is strongly associated with a first sexual encounter at an early teen age, inconsistent condom use and multiple sexual partners.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that that alcohol use by adolescents and young adults increases the risk of injuries, alcohol dependence, risky sexual behaviors, poor school performance, and an increased chance of suicide and homicide, based on studies.

Tips if you choose to drink alcohol

There are some tips you should consider if you drink alcohol and use birth control:

The National Dietary Guidelines recommend that adults of legal drinking age can choose not to drink, or drink in moderation by limiting intake to 2 drinks or less in a day for men or 1 drink or less in a day for women, on days when alcohol is consumed.

Lifestyle considerations

Also, consider your lifestyle and weekly routine. It's best to take your pill at the same time every day. If you are out drinking on a regular basis, you might miss your pill late at night or first thing in the morning, especially if you sleep in late.

It might be best to:

You might consider using a more fool-proof, longer-term birth control method, like the IUD, implant, or vaginal ring, if you frequently miss your pill. That way you don't have to remember to take it daily. Plus, these methods can be easily removed if you change your mind about pregnancy. Ask your doctor, nurse or other healthcare provider about longer-term birth control options.

Other drug interactions with birth control

There can be other drug interactions with contraceptives you may need to know about. Some drugs do change the effectiveness of hormonal birth control and may increase your risk for a pregnancy.

Some research also suggests that the blood levels of alcohol may be increased if you take the birth control pill and drink. This could make the intoxicating effects of alcohol more intense. This may occur because alcohol consumption could affect the enzymes in your liver, but the effect can be unpredictable. Talk with your doctor about this interaction if you have a concern.

Overall, you should drink responsibly and not to the point where you vomit, or are a risk to yourself or to others. Plan ahead if you think alcohol may impair your ability to effectively use birth control.

Never drive if you have been drinking any amount, and don't ride in car with a driver who has been drinking. Do not drink alcohol if you are pregnant or think you might be.

Learn More: How do I use Opill, the over-the-counter (OTC) birth control?

Types of Drug Interactions With Alcohol

Sources

  1. Cho HS, Yang Y. Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and Risky Sexual Behaviors Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Meta-Analysis. Int J Public Health. 2023 Apr 19;68:1605669. doi: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1605669
  2. Jones MK, Jones BM. Ethanol metabolism in women taking oral contraceptives. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 1984 Jan-Feb;8(1):24-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1530-0277.1984.tb05026.x
  3. Alcohol and Public Health. FAQs. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/
  4. Peacock A, Droste N, Pennay A, et al. Self-reported risk-taking behavior during matched-frequency sessions of alcohol versus combined alcohol and energy drinks consumption: does co-ingestion increase risk-taking? Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2015;39:911-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.12700
  5. Alcohol and Public Health. Dietary Guidelines for Alcohol. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/moderate-alcohol-use.html
  6. Does drinking alcohol affect how well my birth control works? Planned Parenthood. June 2015. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/does-drinking-alcohol-effect-how-well-my-birth-control-works

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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