How Long to Use Emergency Contraceptive Pills Before Unprotected Sex?

Emergency contraceptive pill use / Medication consultation

Hello, doctor.
My girlfriend started taking the oral contraceptive pill for the first time on the fifth day of her period.
The pill is called Wenbunin (T/28).
How long does she need to take it before we can have unprotected intercourse?

Zeng Yuxing, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/17

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, taking it on time will provide contraceptive effectiveness.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2020/03/17

More Info

When it comes to using emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) and understanding their effectiveness in relation to unprotected sex, it's important to clarify a few key points regarding hormonal contraceptives, particularly the combined oral contraceptive pills (like the one mentioned, 温不妊 T/28), and their proper use.

First, it’s crucial to understand that combined oral contraceptives (COCs) generally require a certain period of consistent use before they become fully effective in preventing pregnancy. For most COCs, including the one your girlfriend is taking, it is recommended to take the pills for at least 7 consecutive days before relying on them for contraception. This means that if she started taking the pills on the fifth day of her menstrual cycle, she should ideally wait until she has taken the pills for a full week before engaging in unprotected intercourse.

In your girlfriend's case, since she started taking the pill on the fifth day of her period, she would need to continue taking the pills for at least 7 days. Therefore, if she started on day 5, she would be fully protected by day 12 of her cycle. After this period, if she has taken the pills consistently and correctly, she can have unprotected sex without the risk of pregnancy.

It’s also important to note that if she misses a pill or takes it late, the effectiveness can be compromised. In such cases, it is advisable to use a backup method of contraception, such as condoms, until she has taken the pills consistently for 7 days again.

Additionally, while hormonal contraceptives are effective at preventing pregnancy, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, if there is any concern about STIs, using condoms is still recommended, even if she is on the pill.

In summary, your girlfriend should take the combined oral contraceptive pill consistently for at least 7 days before relying on it for contraception. After this period, she can have unprotected sex, provided she has taken the pills correctly. However, for STI protection, using condoms is still advisable. If there are any uncertainties or if she has missed any doses, consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice is always a good idea.

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