Emergency Contraception: Risks of Intercourse After Taking the Pill

Having intercourse the day after taking the emergency contraceptive pill?

I had intercourse with ejaculation on February 9th around 9 PM, and I took the emergency contraceptive pill on March 9th at 3 PM.
If I have intercourse again on March 4th at 7 PM and accidentally ejaculate inside, I would like to know if there is a chance of pregnancy.
Do I need to take the emergency contraceptive pill again? Please help...
TT

STEPHY, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/09/05

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Similar questions have been asked too many times.
Please refer to our FAQ.
Dear inquirer: Emergency contraception remains effective after one or multiple instances of sexual intercourse, provided that all acts occurred within 72 hours prior to taking the medication.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Chang.

Reply Date: 2016/09/05

More Info

Emergency contraception (EC) is a method used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. The most common forms of emergency contraception are hormonal pills, such as levonorgestrel (Plan B) and ulipristal acetate (ella). These pills are most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse, ideally within 72 hours for levonorgestrel and up to 120 hours for ulipristal acetate.

In your situation, you had unprotected intercourse on February 9th and took emergency contraception on March 9th, which is a month later. If you had unprotected intercourse again on April 9th, the effectiveness of the emergency contraception you took on March 9th would not apply to this second instance of unprotected intercourse. Each instance of unprotected intercourse is treated separately regarding the risk of pregnancy.

If you are concerned about the possibility of pregnancy after the second instance of unprotected intercourse on April 9th, it is advisable to take another dose of emergency contraception as soon as possible. The effectiveness of emergency contraception decreases the longer you wait after unprotected intercourse, so timing is crucial.
It's also important to note that emergency contraception is not intended to be used as a regular form of birth control. If you find yourself needing emergency contraception frequently, it may be beneficial to discuss regular contraceptive options with a healthcare provider. There are various methods available, including hormonal birth control pills, intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, and barrier methods, which can provide more reliable protection against unintended pregnancy.

In addition to the risk of pregnancy, it’s also essential to consider sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when engaging in unprotected intercourse. If you have concerns about STIs, it would be wise to get tested and discuss safer sex practices with your partner.

In summary, since the emergency contraception you took on March 9th would not protect you from the intercourse that occurred on April 9th, you should consider taking another dose of emergency contraception if you are worried about the risk of pregnancy. Additionally, consulting with a healthcare provider about ongoing contraceptive methods and STI prevention is highly recommended for your sexual health.

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