Can You Take Both Birth Control and Emergency Contraceptive Pills?

The issue of taking both pre-exposure contraceptive pills and post-exposure contraceptive pills simultaneously?

Hello Doctor: My girlfriend usually takes the contraceptive pill "Yue Ji" at 10 AM every day.
However, she forgot to take it on the morning of March 10.
That night, around midnight, we had unprotected intercourse.
On March 11, she remembered to take the pills around 3 PM and took both the March 10 and March 11 doses together.
Since she was close to her fertile window, she also took a 1.5 mg emergency contraceptive pill (Plan B) around 4:30 PM.
My question is, can she continue to finish the same pack of "Yue Ji" on the morning of March 12? Thank you.

Li Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/03/12

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Your girlfriend usually takes the contraceptive pill "Yueji" at 10 AM every day.
However, she forgot to take it on the morning of March 10th.
That night, around midnight, she had unprotected intercourse.
On March 11th, she remembered to take her pills around 3 PM and took both the March 10th and March 11th doses together.
Since she was close to her fertile window, she also took a 1.5 mg emergency contraceptive pill around 4:30 PM on March 11th.

The question is whether she can continue taking the remaining pills from the same pack of "Yueji" on the morning of March 12th.

Answer: Yes, she can continue taking the remaining pills.

Reply Date: 2019/03/12

More Info

Yes, you can take both regular birth control pills and emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) like Plan B (Levonorgestrel) or Ella (Ulipristal Acetate). However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind regarding their use and effectiveness.

First, let’s clarify the situation. Your girlfriend regularly takes a birth control pill (in this case, "悦己") and missed a dose on March 10. After having unprotected intercourse that same night, she took two birth control pills on March 11 to make up for the missed dose and also took an emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) on the same day. This is a common scenario where individuals may feel the need to use ECPs after a missed birth control pill.

How Birth Control and Emergency Contraceptive Pills Work
1. Regular Birth Control Pills: These pills work primarily by preventing ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and thinning the uterine lining to prevent implantation. When taken consistently and correctly, they are highly effective in preventing pregnancy.

2. Emergency Contraceptive Pills (ECPs): ECPs 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 for Levonorgestrel and up to 120 hours for Ulipristal Acetate. ECPs work mainly by delaying or inhibiting ovulation.

Can You Continue Taking Your Birth Control?
In your girlfriend's case, since she took the ECP after unprotected intercourse, she can continue taking her regular birth control pills as scheduled. Here are some key points to consider:
- Continue Birth Control: She should continue taking her regular birth control pills as directed, even after taking the ECP. This will help maintain contraceptive protection moving forward.

- ECPs Do Not Replace Regular Birth Control: ECPs are not intended to be a regular form of contraception. They are a backup method and should not be relied upon as a primary contraceptive method.

- Possible Side Effects: Taking both the ECP and regular birth control pills may lead to some side effects, such as nausea, fatigue, or changes in the menstrual cycle. If she experiences severe side effects or has concerns, she should consult a healthcare provider.

- Menstrual Cycle Changes: After taking an ECP, her next period may be earlier or later than expected. If her period is more than a week late, she should take a pregnancy test.

Important Considerations
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: If there are any uncertainties or if she has specific health concerns, it’s advisable for her to consult with a healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice based on her health history and current situation.

- Use of Condoms: To reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), consider using condoms in addition to regular birth control methods.

In summary, your girlfriend can continue taking her regular birth control pills after using an emergency contraceptive pill. It’s essential to maintain the regular schedule of her birth control to ensure ongoing protection against pregnancy. If there are any concerns or unusual symptoms, seeking medical advice is always a good practice.

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