Do You Need Emergency Contraceptive After Taking Birth Control Pills?

Is it necessary to take emergency contraception?

I got my period on May 4th and started taking the birth control pill for the first time on May 9th, continuing until May 12th.
On May 12th, I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend, who withdrew before ejaculation.
However, the condom accidentally broke, and some semen landed on my inner thigh.
I'm concerned that it might have accidentally entered.
Given this situation, do I still need to take emergency contraception, or should I continue with the regular birth control pills? After taking the birth control pills for four days and then having sexual intercourse, is there a need for emergency contraception?

Yang Yang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/05/12

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, you can start taking the contraceptive pill on the fifth day of your menstrual period.
It doesn't have to be taken at the exact same time; approximately the same time is sufficient.
As long as you take it regularly, it will be effective for contraception.
Wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2017/05/12

More Info

When it comes to the use of birth control pills and the need for emergency contraception, it's important to understand how these methods work and the timing involved in their effectiveness. Birth control pills, when taken correctly, are designed to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining, thereby reducing the likelihood of pregnancy.
In your case, you started taking the birth control pill on May 9 and continued until May 12. You had sexual intercourse on May 12, during which the condom broke, and there was concern about sperm potentially entering the vagina. The key point to note here is that birth control pills typically take about 7 days to become fully effective if you are starting them for the first time. Since you had only been taking the pill for four days, it is likely that you were not fully protected against pregnancy at the time of intercourse.

Given that the condom broke and there was a risk of sperm exposure, it would be advisable to consider taking emergency contraception (EC). Emergency contraceptive pills (like Plan B or Ella) are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 hours, but some types can be effective up to 5 days after.

In your situation, since you are concerned about the possibility of sperm entering the vagina, taking emergency contraception would be a prudent choice. It acts as a backup method to prevent pregnancy, especially since you were not fully protected by the birth control pills at that time. Continuing to take your regular birth control pills is also important, as they will provide ongoing protection against pregnancy once they are fully effective.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that while emergency contraception is effective, it is not intended to be used as a regular form of birth control. It is a backup option for situations where primary contraceptive methods fail. If you find yourself in a situation where you are frequently concerned about contraceptive failure, it may be beneficial to discuss with a healthcare provider about alternative or additional methods of contraception that may better suit your needs.

In summary, considering the timeline of your birth control pill usage and the incident with the broken condom, taking emergency contraception would be a wise decision to mitigate the risk of unintended pregnancy. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and to discuss any concerns regarding your contraceptive methods.

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