Can You Continue Birth Control After Taking Emergency Contraceptive?

Contraceptive pill issues

You took emergency contraception on April 6, but you regularly take oral contraceptives.
Your period started on April 10, and you need to start a new pack of birth control pills on April 13.
Can you continue taking the new pack of oral contraceptives on April 13?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/12

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

On April 6, I took the emergency contraceptive pill, but I usually take the regular contraceptive pill.
My period started on April 10, and I need to start a new pack of contraceptive pills on April 13.
Can I continue taking the new pack of regular contraceptive pills on April 13? Answer: Yes, you can.

Reply Date: 2019/04/12

More Info

When it comes to the use of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) and regular birth control methods, it's important to understand how these medications interact and how they can affect your menstrual cycle and overall reproductive health.

Emergency contraceptive pills, such as Plan B (levonorgestrel) or Ella (ulipristal acetate), are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. They work primarily by delaying ovulation, inhibiting fertilization, or preventing implantation of a fertilized egg. These pills are not intended for regular use and should only be used in emergencies.

In your case, you took an emergency contraceptive pill on April 6, and your regular menstrual cycle began on April 10. This indicates that the emergency contraceptive did not disrupt your menstrual cycle significantly, as you still experienced a normal period.
Now, regarding your question about whether you can continue taking your regular birth control pills after using an emergency contraceptive: Yes, you can resume your regular birth control pills as scheduled. Since you mentioned that you are due to start a new pack on April 13, you should continue with your regular contraceptive method without any interruption. The emergency contraceptive does not affect the efficacy of your ongoing birth control pills, and it is safe to continue taking them as directed.

It's also worth noting that while ECPs can cause some temporary changes in your menstrual cycle, such as altering the timing of your next period, they do not have long-term effects on your fertility or the effectiveness of your regular birth control method. If you experience any unusual symptoms or if your period is significantly delayed after taking the emergency contraceptive, it may be a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider.

In summary, you can continue taking your regular birth control pills after using an emergency contraceptive. Just make sure to follow the instructions for your birth control method, and if you have any concerns or questions about your reproductive health, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

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