Can You Start Emergency Contraceptive Pills on Day Two of Your Period?

Q: Can You Start Emergency Contraceptive Pills on Day Two of Your Period?

Hello： If you want to start taking oral contraceptives after your natural menstrual cycle, you can usually begin from the first day of your period up to the fifth day. <br>Each type of contraceptive pill has instructions on when to start taking them. <br>For example, while Yaz in

Emergency contraceptive pill

Hello, I’ve seen online that emergency contraceptive pills should be taken on the first day of menstruation.
If my period has already started on the second day, can I still take it, or do I have to wait until next month?

Xiao Xiao, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/08/20

Dr. Yang Wangjun reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello: If you want to start taking oral contraceptives after your natural menstrual cycle, you can usually begin from the first day of your period up to the fifth day.
Each type of contraceptive pill has instructions on when to start taking them.
For example, while Yaz indicates that you should start on the first day of your period, it also states that you can begin on the first Sunday of your period.
On the other hand, Plan B suggests starting on the fifth day of your period.
As long as you start taking the pills before the follicles begin to develop, they will have a suppressive effect.
Thank you for your message!

Reply Date: 2015/08/20

More Info

When it comes to starting emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs), it's important to clarify the distinction between regular birth control pills and emergency contraception. Emergency contraceptive pills, such as Plan B (levonorgestrel) or Ella (ulipristal acetate), are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure.
To address your question directly: Yes, you can start taking emergency contraceptive pills on the second day of your period. In fact, ECPs can be taken at any point during your menstrual cycle, as long as you have had unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. The effectiveness of ECPs is not dependent on the timing within your menstrual cycle, but rather on how soon after unprotected intercourse you take the medication.
For Plan B, it is most effective when taken within 72 hours (3 days) after unprotected sex, while Ella can be taken up to 120 hours (5 days) after. The sooner you take them after the incident, the more effective they will be at preventing pregnancy.
It's also worth noting that if you are already on a regular birth control pill regimen, you should continue taking your pills as directed. If you have missed a dose or are unsure about your contraceptive method, consulting with a healthcare provider is advisable.

Regarding the use of regular birth control pills, if you are starting a new pack, it is generally recommended to begin taking them on the first day of your period for maximum effectiveness. However, if you start on the second day, you should still be protected, but it may take a few days for the hormones to build up in your system, so using a backup method (like condoms) for the first seven days is often recommended.

In summary, you can take emergency contraceptive pills on the second day of your period without any issues. If you have further concerns about your menstrual cycle, contraceptive methods, or any potential side effects, it is always best to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your health history and needs.

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