Emergency Contraception: Do You Need Another Pill After Unprotected Sex?

Post-coital contraception issues

Hello doctor, on the 12th of this month, we had unprotected intercourse for 20 minutes after not noticing that the condom had broken, and I took an emergency contraceptive pill (Ella) afterward.
I experienced bleeding from the 18th until the 24th, and on the 27th, I discovered that the condom had broken again and accidentally ejaculated inside.
Is there a need to take another emergency contraceptive pill? What is the likelihood of pregnancy? (My menstrual period was from July 4th to July 8th.)

SHA2020, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/27

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On the 12th of this month, I had unprotected intercourse for 20 minutes without realizing the condom had broken, and I took an emergency contraceptive pill (Ella) afterward.
I experienced bleeding from the 18th to the 24th.
On the 27th, I discovered the condom had broken again and accidentally ejaculated inside.
Is there a need to take another emergency contraceptive pill? What is the likelihood of pregnancy? (My menstrual period was from July 4th to July 8th.) Answer: The likelihood of pregnancy is low, and the necessity to take another pill is also low.

Reply Date: 2018/07/27

More Info

When it comes to emergency contraception, understanding the timing and effectiveness of the pill is crucial, especially after unprotected sex. In your case, you had unprotected intercourse on the 12th and took emergency contraception (Plan B, also known as Levonorgestrel) shortly after. You experienced bleeding from the 18th to the 24th, which can be a side effect of the emergency contraceptive pill, indicating that it may have worked to prevent pregnancy.

However, you mentioned that you had another incident of unprotected sex on the 27th, where the condom broke again, and you did not take another emergency contraceptive pill. The effectiveness of emergency contraception decreases the longer you wait after unprotected intercourse. Plan B is most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, but it can still be taken up to 5 days after, with decreasing effectiveness.

Given that you had unprotected sex again on the 27th, it is advisable to take another dose of emergency contraception as soon as possible. The risk of pregnancy increases with each instance of unprotected intercourse, especially if it occurs within the same menstrual cycle. The likelihood of pregnancy after two incidents of unprotected sex, especially with a broken condom, is significant enough to warrant taking another emergency contraceptive pill.

Regarding your concern about the timing of your menstrual cycle, if your period is expected to start around July 4th to July 8th, the bleeding you experienced after taking the first emergency contraceptive could be an indication that your body is responding to the hormonal changes. However, it is important to note that emergency contraception can cause changes in your menstrual cycle, including earlier or later periods, and even changes in flow.

In summary, since you had unprotected sex again after taking emergency contraception, it is recommended that you take another dose as soon as possible. The risk of pregnancy is heightened with multiple instances of unprotected sex, and taking the pill can help mitigate that risk. If you have any further concerns or if your period is delayed beyond a week of its expected date, it would be wise to take a pregnancy test and consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance.
Lastly, if you find yourself in situations where contraceptive methods fail, consider discussing long-term contraceptive options with your healthcare provider to prevent similar situations in the future. Options such as intrauterine devices (IUDs), hormonal birth control pills, or implants can provide more reliable protection against unintended pregnancies.

Similar Q&A

Do You Need Another Emergency Contraceptive After Unprotected Sex?

If you had unprotected intercourse two hours after taking emergency contraception and then had unprotected intercourse again two hours later, you would need to take another dose of emergency contraception. Emergency contraception is effective only for the most recent act of unpro...

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Not necessary.

Do You Need Another Emergency Contraceptive After Unprotected Sex?

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about a situation. My girlfriend and I had unprotected intercourse multiple times on the night of August 13th at 10 PM, and I ejaculated inside her. Afterward, at 12 AM on August 13th, I took the emergency contraceptive pill (2 hours later). The...

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it is generally not necessary, but it is always best to take preventive measures beforehand. One should not rely on the safe period. If your period is late by more than a week, it is advisable to consult a gynecologist. Wishing you good health.

Do You Need One or Two Emergency Contraceptive Pills After Unprotected Sex?

If you had unprotected intercourse with your boyfriend twice in one day but there was no ejaculation both times, you only need to take one emergency contraceptive pill.

Dr. Cai Yonglong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
If it is during the interval between two menstrual periods (ovulation period), take 2 tablets.

Do You Need Another Morning-After Pill After Unprotected Sex?

Hello doctor, last night the condom broke, and I took the emergency contraceptive pill by noon the next day. After taking it, I had unprotected intercourse again, but both times were with withdrawal. Should I take the emergency contraceptive pill again? Thank you!

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraception remains valid after a single or multiple instances of sexual intercourse, provided that all sexual activities occurred within 72 hours prior to taking the medication. Thank you! Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Zhang