Using Emergency Contraception and Continuing Birth Control Pills: What You Need to Know

After taking emergency contraception, you can start using regular birth control pills?

Doctor, I took my first birth control pill (Diane) on August 25.
On August 26, my period was almost over, and I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend.
The condom broke, and I took a single dose of emergency contraception one hour later.
Should I continue taking my regular birth control pills? If I continue taking them, will they still be effective? If my period comes a few days after taking the emergency contraception, should I continue taking the regular birth control pills for this cycle or switch to the next cycle? If I continue taking them, do I still need to wait 7 days for them to be effective?

Yijia, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/26

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On August 25, I took the first oral contraceptive pill (Diane).
On August 26, my period was almost over, and I had sexual intercourse with my boyfriend.
During the act, the condom broke, and I took a single dose of emergency contraception one hour later.

1.
Should I continue taking the oral contraceptive?
Answer: Yes.

2.
If I continue taking the oral contraceptive, will it still be effective?
Answer: Yes.

If my period comes shortly after taking the emergency contraception, should I continue taking the oral contraceptive for this cycle or switch to the next cycle?
Answer: Continue taking it for this cycle.

If I continue taking it, do I still need to wait 7 days for it to be effective?
Answer: Yes.

Reply Date: 2018/08/26

More Info

When it comes to using emergency contraception (EC) and continuing with regular birth control pills, it's essential to understand how these methods work and how they interact with each other. Based on your situation, here’s a comprehensive overview.

First, let's clarify the roles of emergency contraception and regular birth control pills. Emergency contraception, such as the one you took after the condom broke, is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. It is 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 later. The mechanism of action primarily involves delaying ovulation, preventing fertilization, or preventing implantation of a fertilized egg.

In your case, since you took the emergency contraception shortly after the condom failure, you have taken a proactive step to reduce the risk of pregnancy. Now, regarding your regular birth control pills (in your case, "Diane"), you should continue taking them as prescribed. The emergency contraception does not replace your regular birth control pills; rather, it acts as a backup method. Continuing your birth control pills ensures that you maintain consistent hormone levels, which is crucial for effective contraception.

Now, if you experience bleeding shortly after taking the emergency contraception, this could be due to several factors. It might be a side effect of the emergency contraception itself, or it could be a withdrawal bleed from your regular birth control pills. Regardless of the bleeding, you should continue taking your birth control pills for the current cycle.
It's important to note that if you continue taking your regular birth control pills, you do not need to wait another 7 days for them to become effective again after taking emergency contraception. Your birth control pills will continue to provide contraceptive protection as long as you take them consistently. However, if you miss any doses of your birth control pills, you may need to use backup contraception (like condoms) until you have taken the pills consistently for 7 days.

In summary, here’s what you should do:
1. Continue taking your regular birth control pills as prescribed, even after taking emergency contraception. This will help maintain contraceptive effectiveness.

2. Monitor for any unusual bleeding. If you experience significant changes in your menstrual cycle or have concerns about your bleeding patterns, consult your healthcare provider.

3. Understand that the emergency contraception does not affect the effectiveness of your birth control pills. You can continue your regular regimen without interruption.

4. If you miss any doses of your birth control pills, use backup contraception until you have taken the pills consistently for 7 days.

5. Consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your menstrual cycle or the interaction between the emergency contraception and your regular birth control pills.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively manage your contraceptive needs and reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy. Always feel free to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and support regarding your contraceptive methods.

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