Can You Have Intercourse After Six Days of Taking Emergency Contraceptive?

Can I have unprotected intercourse after taking the emergency contraceptive pill for six days?

Hello, Doctor Huang.
I have been taking the contraceptive pill for three months, specifically in October, November, and December, and then I stopped for two months.
Now I am taking my first pack again and have been on it for six days.
My menstrual cycle has ended; can I engage in sexual intercourse?

Ms. Chen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/04

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

I have been taking the contraceptive pill for three months, specifically in October, November, and December, and then stopped for two months.
Now I am taking the first pack again and have been on it for six days.
My menstrual cycle has ended.
Can I engage in sexual intercourse? Answer: Yes, you can engage in sexual intercourse.

Reply Date: 2017/03/04

More Info

When considering the question of whether you can have intercourse after six days of taking emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), it's important to clarify a few key points regarding the use of contraceptives and the timing of ovulation.

Firstly, emergency contraceptive pills are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be taken up to five days later. However, once you have taken ECPs, they do not provide ongoing protection against pregnancy for subsequent acts of intercourse. Therefore, if you have taken ECPs, you should consider using additional contraceptive methods if you plan to have sex again.

In your case, you mentioned that you have been taking regular birth control pills for six days after your menstrual cycle ended. If you have been taking the birth control pills consistently and correctly, they should provide effective contraception after seven days of use. However, if you are still within the first seven days of starting a new pack of birth control pills, the effectiveness may not be fully established yet, and you may want to use a backup method, such as condoms, during this time.

It's also crucial to understand your menstrual cycle and ovulation. If your cycle is regular, ovulation typically occurs around 14 days before your next expected period. Engaging in intercourse just before or during ovulation increases the chances of pregnancy. Since you mentioned that your period has just ended, if you have a typical cycle, you might be approaching your fertile window. Therefore, if you are not using a reliable contraceptive method, there is a risk of pregnancy.

If you are unsure about your contraceptive method's effectiveness or have concerns about potential pregnancy, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on your health history and current contraceptive use.

In summary, while you can have intercourse after six days of taking emergency contraceptives, the effectiveness of your birth control pills depends on how long you have been taking them. If you are still within the initial week of starting a new pack, consider using additional protection. Always consult with a healthcare professional for tailored advice and to address any concerns regarding your reproductive health.

Similar Q&A

Can You Have Sex After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

Doctor, I would like to ask if it's safe to have intercourse after taking the emergency contraceptive pill?

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraception taken within three days is approximately 97%, with a failure rate of about 3%. Current research indicates that the effectiveness is related to the timing of administration rather than the number of doses taken. Thank you! Wishin...

Can You Get Pregnant After Taking Birth Control for 9 Days?

If you started taking the emergency contraceptive pill (like Ella or Plan B) for the first time on the sixth day of your menstrual cycle and continued for nine days, there is still a possibility of pregnancy if you had unprotected intercourse on the ninth day. If you are concer...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, you should not be pregnant. Wishing you good health.

Can You Get Pregnant After Unprotected Sex? Understanding Emergency Contraception

Having unprotected sexual intercourse without ejaculation on January 6, and taking emergency contraception (Plan B) within one to two hours afterward, significantly reduces the risk of pregnancy. The effectiveness of emergency contraception is highest when taken as soon as possib...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Having unprotected intercourse on January 6 without ejaculation, and then taking emergency contraception (Plan B) within one to two hours, significantly reduces the likelihood of pregnancy. Therefore, the chance of becoming pregnant is low.

Can You Get Pregnant After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

If your girlfriend took the first pill of emergency contraception on the fifth day of her menstrual period and continued to take it as directed for a full seven days, then had unprotected intercourse with ejaculation on the eighth day, the risk of pregnancy is generally low, but ...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
If your girlfriend took the first dose of the emergency contraceptive pill on the fifth day of her menstrual period and continued to take it as directed for a full seven days, then had unprotected intercourse with ejaculation on the eighth day, the likelihood of pregnancy is stil...