Is Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pill on Day 6 of Menstruation Effective?

Is taking the emergency contraceptive pill (Ella) effective if taken on the sixth day of menstruation?

Is taking the contraceptive pill Yaz on the sixth day of my period effective? How many days do I need to take it before I can stop using condoms? Thank you for your response.

Nìmíng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/01

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

It is recommended to start taking birth control pills on the first day of your menstrual cycle.
If you begin taking the pills after the second day of your period, it is advised to use additional contraceptive measures for the first seven days of taking the pills.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.
Dr.
Chang

Reply Date: 2022/03/01

More Info

Taking an emergency contraceptive pill (ECP) on day 6 of your menstrual cycle is generally not effective for preventing pregnancy from unprotected intercourse that occurred before or during your cycle. Emergency contraceptive pills are designed to prevent ovulation, fertilization, or implantation of a fertilized egg when taken after unprotected sex. They are most effective when taken as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 72 hours, although some types can be taken up to 5 days later.

In your case, if you are already on day 6 of your menstrual cycle, it is likely that you are either in the latter part of your menstrual period or just about to enter your fertile window, depending on the length of your cycle. If you had unprotected sex during your fertile window (typically days 10-14 in a 28-day cycle), taking an ECP at this point would not be effective in preventing pregnancy from that encounter.

Regarding the use of regular birth control pills (like the one you mentioned, "悅姿"), they are different from emergency contraceptive pills. Regular birth control pills need to be taken consistently for at least 7 days before they become effective in preventing pregnancy. If you start taking the pill on day 6 of your cycle, you would need to continue taking it daily for at least 7 days before you can rely on it for contraception without additional protection, such as condoms.

It is important to note that while hormonal contraceptives can help regulate your menstrual cycle and reduce the risk of pregnancy, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, if you are not in a monogamous relationship or are unsure of your partner's STI status, it is advisable to continue using condoms for protection against STIs, regardless of your birth control method.

In summary, taking an emergency contraceptive pill on day 6 of your menstrual cycle is not effective for preventing pregnancy from previous unprotected intercourse. If you are considering starting a regular birth control pill, you should take it consistently for at least 7 days before relying on it for contraception. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and to discuss the best contraceptive options for your situation.

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