How Soon After Taking Emergency Contraceptive Can You Have Sex?

How long after taking the emergency contraceptive pill can one engage in sexual intercourse?

After my girlfriend and I had intercourse on May 20, her period ended on May 23.
Since we didn't use a condom, she was worried and took the emergency contraceptive pill.
Five days later, on May 28, her period came again.
Can we be sure that she won't be pregnant? How long after taking the emergency contraceptive pill should we wait before having intercourse again?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/06/02

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

My girlfriend and I had intercourse on May 20, and her period ended on May 23.
Since we didn't use a condom, she was worried and took the emergency contraceptive pill.
Five days later, on May 28, she got her period again.
Can we be sure that she won't get pregnant? Also, should we wait a few months after taking the emergency contraceptive pill before having intercourse again? And is it safe to have intercourse after her period is over?

Reply Date: 2017/06/02

More Info

When it comes to emergency contraception and sexual activity, it's important to understand how emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) work and their implications for future sexual encounters.
Emergency contraceptive pills, such as Plan B or Ella, are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 hours for Plan B and up to 120 hours for Ella. However, their effectiveness diminishes the longer you wait to take them.
In your case, since your girlfriend took the emergency contraceptive pill shortly after unprotected intercourse, it is likely that she has significantly reduced her chances of becoming pregnant. The fact that she experienced her menstrual period again on May 28, just five days after taking the ECP, is a strong indicator that she is not pregnant. Emergency contraceptive pills can cause changes in the menstrual cycle, including earlier or later periods, but a period following the use of ECP is generally a reassuring sign that pregnancy has not occurred.

Regarding your question about how soon after taking emergency contraception you can have sex, there is no medical restriction on having sexual intercourse after taking ECPs. You can engage in sexual activity as soon as you feel comfortable. However, it is crucial to remember that ECPs do not provide ongoing contraception. If you plan to have sex again, it is advisable to use a reliable form of contraception, such as condoms or hormonal birth control, to prevent unintended pregnancies in the future.

It's also worth noting that while ECPs are effective at preventing pregnancy, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, using condoms is recommended not only for pregnancy prevention but also for STI protection.

In summary, since your girlfriend took the emergency contraceptive pill soon after unprotected intercourse and subsequently got her period, it is highly unlikely that she is pregnant. You can have sex again whenever you both feel ready, but make sure to use effective contraception to avoid similar worries in the future. If you have any further concerns or questions about contraception, menstrual cycles, or sexual health, consider consulting a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

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