Do You Need Another Emergency Contraceptive After Unprotected Sex? - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Share to:

Can I get pregnant?


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 unprotected intercourse, so it is recommended to take it again after subsequent unprotected sexual activity.

Ya, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/28

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology


Not necessary.

Reply Date: 2020/12/28

More Info


After engaging in unprotected sex, it is understandable to have concerns about the risk of unintended pregnancy and whether additional emergency contraception is necessary. In your case, since you took emergency contraception (EC) within 30 minutes after the first instance of unprotected sex, it is important to consider the timing and the nature of the subsequent sexual encounter.

Emergency contraception is designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, and its effectiveness is highest when taken as soon as possible. The most common forms of emergency contraception include the levonorgestrel pill (Plan B) and ulipristal acetate (Ella). Levonorgestrel is most effective when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex, while ulipristal acetate can be effective up to 120 hours after.

In your situation, since you had another instance of unprotected sex approximately two hours after taking the first dose of EC, it is advisable to take another dose of emergency contraception. This is because the first dose of EC will not be effective against the second act of unprotected intercourse, as it works primarily to prevent ovulation and does not provide ongoing protection.

It is also important to note that emergency contraception does not terminate an existing pregnancy; it only prevents one from occurring. Therefore, if you are concerned about the possibility of being pregnant from the first encounter, it is recommended to take a pregnancy test if your next period is delayed by more than a week.

In addition to considering emergency contraception, it is crucial to think about your sexual health and the potential risks associated with unprotected sex. Engaging in unprotected intercourse can expose you to sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. It is advisable to have open discussions with your sexual partners about STI testing and to consider regular screenings, especially if you have multiple partners.

In summary, since you had unprotected sex again after taking emergency contraception, you should take another dose of EC as soon as possible. Additionally, consider consulting with a healthcare provider for further guidance on contraception options and STI testing to ensure your sexual health is protected moving forward.

Similar Q&A

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.

[Read More] Do You Need Another Emergency Contraceptive After Unprotected Sex?


Do You Need Emergency Contraception After Unprotected Sex?

Hello~~~ On February 7th, I had unprotected intercourse with my boyfriend and took an emergency contraceptive pill afterward. However, on February 11th, he ejaculated inside me again. Do I need to take another emergency contraceptive pill? Is there a chance I could get pregnant?


Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, it is generally advisable to take emergency contraception after unprotected intercourse. It is better to practice effective contraceptive measures beforehand. Wishing you good health.

[Read More] Do You Need Emergency Contraception After Unprotected Sex?


Do I Need Another Emergency Contraceptive After Unprotected Sex?

On November 27th, around 10 PM, there was unprotected intercourse. The next day, around 5 PM, the girlfriend took emergency contraception. On December 1st, around 3 PM, there was another incident of unprotected intercourse. Should she take emergency contraception again? What is t...


Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
On November 27th, around 10 PM, there was unprotected intercourse. The next day, around 5 PM, the girlfriend took emergency contraception. On December 1st, around 3 PM, there was another incident of unprotected intercourse. Should she take emergency contraception again? Is the ri...

[Read More] Do I Need Another Emergency Contraceptive After Unprotected Sex?


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.

[Read More] Do You Need One or Two Emergency Contraceptive Pills After Unprotected Sex?


Related FAQ

Emergency Contraceptive Pill

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Abortion Pill

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Condom

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Sexual Intercourse

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Post-Coital Bleeding

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Post-Abortion

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Iud

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

After Uterine Fibroid Surgery

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

Can I Get Pregnant?

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)

High-Risk Pregnancy

(Obstetrics and Gynecology)