Do You Need Emergency Contraception After Unprotected Intercourse?

Emergency contraceptive pill

If you had unprotected intercourse with your boyfriend twice in one day without ejaculation, you only need to take the emergency contraceptive pill once.
It is effective for up to 72 hours after unprotected intercourse, regardless of the number of times you had intercourse.
However, it's important to take it as soon as possible for the best effectiveness.

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/12/15

Dr. Cao Guotao reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, if it is during the ovulation period, it is recommended to take emergency contraceptive pills just in case; one dose is sufficient.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2021/12/15

More Info

When it comes to the need for emergency contraception (EC) after unprotected intercourse, there are several factors to consider. In your case, you mentioned having unprotected intercourse twice within one day without ejaculation. The key points to address are the timing of the intercourse in relation to your menstrual cycle, the effectiveness of emergency contraception, and the overall risk of pregnancy.

Firstly, it's important to understand that emergency contraception is most effective when taken as soon as possible after unprotected intercourse. There are different types of emergency contraception, including the morning-after pill (like Plan B or Ella) and the copper intrauterine device (IUD). The morning-after pill can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, but its effectiveness decreases the longer you wait. Ella can be taken up to 120 hours after intercourse.
In your situation, since you had two instances of unprotected intercourse in one day, the recommendation would generally be to take emergency contraception after the first instance. The reason for this is that the risk of pregnancy is based on the timing of ovulation and the sperm's lifespan in the female reproductive tract. Sperm can live for up to five days in the right conditions, so if you are near your ovulation window, there is a risk of pregnancy.

Since you mentioned that there was no ejaculation, the risk of pregnancy is lower, but it is not zero. Pre-ejaculate fluid can contain sperm, and thus, there is still a potential risk of pregnancy. Therefore, taking emergency contraception after the first instance of unprotected intercourse would be a prudent choice.
Regarding whether you need to take emergency contraception twice for both instances of intercourse, the answer is generally no. One dose of emergency contraception is typically sufficient to cover the risk from both instances, provided they occurred within a short time frame (like the same day). However, it is crucial to take the emergency contraception as soon as possible after the first instance.

In summary, if you have had unprotected intercourse, it is advisable to take emergency contraception as soon as possible, ideally after the first instance. If you are still uncertain or if you have any specific health concerns, it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice. They can provide guidance based on your individual circumstances, including your menstrual cycle and any other factors that may affect your risk of pregnancy.
Lastly, remember that while emergency contraception is an effective way to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, it should not be used as a regular form of contraception. Regular contraceptive methods, such as birth control pills, condoms, or IUDs, are more effective for ongoing pregnancy prevention.

Similar Q&A

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.

Do I Need Emergency Contraception After Unprotected Sex?

If I had unprotected sex on April 15 after taking emergency contraception on April 13, do I need to take emergency contraception again?

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the effectiveness of emergency contraception remains valid after a single or multiple instances of sexual intercourse, provided that all sexual activities occurred within 72 hours prior to taking the medication. Thank you! Wishing you peace and health. Dr. Zhang

Do You Need Another Emergency Contraceptive After Unprotected Sex?

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 unpro...

Dr. Huang Yuande reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Not necessary.

Do You Need Emergency Contraception After Unprotected Sex?

On January 8, unprotected intercourse occurred, and on January 9, emergency contraception (Plan B) was taken. On January 10, unprotected intercourse happened again. Is there a need to take another dose of emergency contraception? What is the likelihood of pregnancy?

Dr. Tian Yiwen reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Emergency contraceptive pills are effective only for sexual intercourse that occurred prior to taking the medication. They are intended for occasional use and can lead to menstrual irregularities if taken frequently. Therefore, they should only be used as a last resort for contra...