Does Taking Both Pre and Post-Coital Pills Affect Contraceptive Effectiveness?

Taking it before and after simultaneously?

I have been taking oral contraceptives for about a year.
During the seven-day break, the condom broke, and I took emergency contraception.
Will this affect the contraceptive effectiveness? My period is already ten days late.

F, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/25

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, during that period, theoretically, pregnancy should not occur.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/06/25

More Info

When considering the effectiveness of contraceptive methods, it's essential to understand how different medications can interact with each other. In your case, you have been taking a pre-coital contraceptive pill (often referred to as the birth control pill) consistently for about a year. You also mentioned that during a seven-day break from the pill, you experienced a condom failure and subsequently took a post-coital contraceptive pill (commonly known as the emergency contraceptive pill).

To address your question, taking both pre-coital and post-coital contraceptive pills does not inherently affect the effectiveness of either method, provided they are used correctly. The pre-coital pill is designed to prevent ovulation, while the post-coital pill is intended to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. The emergency contraceptive pill works best when taken as soon as possible after the incident of unprotected sex, ideally within 72 hours, but it can be effective up to five days after.

In your situation, since you were on the birth control pill and took the emergency contraceptive pill after a contraceptive failure, the emergency pill would not negate the effectiveness of your regular contraceptive method. However, it is important to note that the emergency contraceptive pill can cause some hormonal fluctuations, which may lead to changes in your menstrual cycle. This could explain why your period is delayed by ten days.
It's also worth mentioning that if you have been taking your birth control pill consistently and correctly, the likelihood of pregnancy is low, even after a condom failure. Birth control pills are typically over 99% effective when taken as directed. However, the emergency contraceptive pill is an additional safety measure and is not intended to be used as a regular contraceptive method.

If your period does not arrive soon, it may be advisable to take a pregnancy test to rule out pregnancy, especially if you have had unprotected intercourse. Additionally, if you have concerns about your menstrual cycle or the effects of the medications you are taking, consulting with a healthcare provider is a good idea. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and current situation.

In summary, taking both pre-coital and post-coital contraceptive pills does not negatively impact the effectiveness of either method when used appropriately. However, hormonal changes from the emergency contraceptive pill can lead to temporary alterations in your menstrual cycle. If you have any further concerns or experience unusual symptoms, seeking medical advice is always recommended.

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