Can Taking Emergency Contraceptive Pills Two Days in a Row Work?

Taking emergency contraception continuously does not provide effective contraceptive protection. Emergency contraceptive pills are designed for occasional use after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure, not for regular or continuous use as a primary contraceptive method. For ongoing contraception, it is recommended to use regular contraceptive

Hello doctor, I had unprotected sexual intercourse on the night of December 30th, and on the evening of January 1st, I took an over-the-counter emergency contraceptive pill.
However, I had unprotected sex again on the same night after taking the pill.
Can taking emergency contraception two days in a row achieve contraceptive effectiveness? Will there be any adverse reactions that affect the efficacy of the medication?

8, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/02

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

Hello, here are the important points to note when taking emergency contraceptive pills:
1.
They should be taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse; the sooner they are taken, the higher the success rate.

2.
Taking any emergency contraceptive may affect the timing, duration, and flow of your menstrual period, but this varies by individual.

3.
Regular use is not recommended, and it is especially advised against taking emergency contraceptive pills multiple times within the same menstrual cycle, as this may reduce their effectiveness.

4.
Emergency contraceptive pills remain effective after one or multiple instances of unprotected intercourse, provided that all sexual activities occurred within 72 hours before taking the medication.

5.
If you take emergency contraceptive pills and then have unprotected intercourse again, should you take another dose? The effectiveness of emergency contraception varies based on when it is taken after intercourse: 95% if taken within 24 hours, 85% if taken within 24 to 48 hours, and 58% if taken within 48 to 72 hours.
This refers to the protective effect of delaying ovulation.
If you engage in unprotected intercourse after taking emergency contraceptive pills, it is advisable to take another dose, as the short interval may reduce effectiveness.
If your period is more than a week late, please consult a physician for evaluation.
Thank you! Wishing you safety and health.

Dr.
Zhang

Reply Date: 2016/01/02

More Info

Taking emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) two days in a row can be a concern for many individuals who find themselves in situations where unprotected intercourse has occurred. To address your question, yes, taking emergency contraceptive pills on consecutive days can still provide a level of contraceptive effectiveness, but there are important considerations to keep in mind.

Emergency contraceptive pills are designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. The most commonly used ECPs contain either levonorgestrel (Plan B One-Step and others) or 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. Both types of pills work primarily by delaying or inhibiting ovulation, which means they prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg.

In your case, since you took an ECP on January 1 after having unprotected intercourse on December 30, you are within the effective window for levonorgestrel. However, taking another dose the following day (January 2) after another instance of unprotected intercourse can still be beneficial. The key point is that ECPs do not have a cumulative effect; each dose works independently to prevent ovulation. Therefore, taking them two days in a row does not diminish their effectiveness, but it is essential to understand that they are not intended for regular use and should not replace regular contraceptive methods.

Regarding potential side effects, taking ECPs can lead to some temporary side effects such as nausea, fatigue, headache, dizziness, breast tenderness, and changes in your menstrual cycle. Some individuals may experience a heavier or lighter period than usual, or their period may come earlier or later than expected. If you find that your menstrual cycle is significantly delayed (more than a week after your expected period), it is advisable to take a pregnancy test to confirm whether or not you are pregnant.

It is also important to note that while ECPs are effective in preventing pregnancy, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you are concerned about STIs, it may be wise to consult a healthcare provider for appropriate testing and advice.

In conclusion, taking emergency contraceptive pills two days in a row can still provide contraceptive protection, but it is essential to use them as directed and not rely on them as a primary form of birth control. If you find yourself frequently needing emergency contraception, it may be beneficial to discuss long-term contraceptive options with a healthcare provider to find a method that suits your lifestyle and needs better.

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