the Use of Emergency Contraceptive Pills: Key Considerations

Emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) 72 hours after unprotected intercourse?

If my girlfriend took the 72-hour emergency contraceptive pill on March 13, and I had unprotected intercourse again on March 14, should she take another dose? Would it reduce the effectiveness, and would the risk of pregnancy increase?

Huai Huai Nan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/14

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

What you need is not medical advice but a remedial course in sexual education.
For such questions, it is recommended to refer to the National Health Administration's "Sexual Happiness e-Learning" or the Obstetrics and Gynecology Society's "Consultation for Adolescent Contraceptive Guidelines" at http://goo.gl/dc6PfW.

Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraception taken within 72 hours after intercourse is approximately 97%, but it is not 100%, with a failure rate of about 3%.
Emergency contraception remains effective after one or multiple instances of sexual intercourse, provided that all sexual activities occurred within the 72 hours prior to taking the medication.
If your period is more than a week late, it is advisable to check for pregnancy.
Thank you! Wishing you peace and health, Dr.
Zhang.

Reply Date: 2017/03/14

More Info

Emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), commonly known as "morning-after pills," are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. The two most common types of ECPs are levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step) and ulipristal acetate (ella). Understanding their use and effectiveness is crucial, especially in situations like the one you described.

In your case, your girlfriend took an emergency contraceptive pill on March 13, which is within the recommended time frame for preventing pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. ECPs are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 hours for levonorgestrel and up to 120 hours for ulipristal acetate. However, their effectiveness diminishes the longer you wait.

Regarding your question about whether your girlfriend should take another ECP after having unprotected intercourse again on March 14, the answer is yes; she should take another dose of the emergency contraceptive pill. ECPs do not provide ongoing protection against pregnancy after the initial dose. Each instance of unprotected intercourse requires its own dose of ECP to maximize the chances of preventing pregnancy.

It's important to note that taking multiple doses of ECPs in a short period is generally considered safe, but it is not recommended as a regular form of contraception. Frequent use of ECPs can lead to menstrual irregularities, such as changes in the timing of the next period, heavier or lighter bleeding, or even nausea.
As for the concern about the effectiveness of the ECPs and whether the risk of pregnancy increases with subsequent unprotected intercourse, it is essential to understand that ECPs are designed to work based on the timing of ovulation. If ovulation has already occurred, the ECP may not be effective in preventing pregnancy. Therefore, taking another dose after unprotected intercourse is crucial to ensure that the chances of preventing pregnancy remain as high as possible.

In summary, since your girlfriend had unprotected intercourse again after taking the ECP, she should take another dose as soon as possible. It is also advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance and to discuss long-term contraceptive options that may be more suitable for your situation. Regular contraceptive methods, such as birth control pills, condoms, or intrauterine devices (IUDs), can provide more reliable protection against unintended pregnancies and may alleviate the need for emergency contraception in the future.
Lastly, it is essential to have open and honest communication with your partner about contraceptive choices and to ensure that both of you are comfortable with the methods being used. This can help prevent similar situations in the future and promote a healthy and responsible approach to sexual health.

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